281: Is Ozempic really a magic pill for weight loss? With Johann Hari
This episode is all about the new weight loss drug Ozempic - what are the risks? What are the benefits? How does it actually work? Joining us is author Johann Hari, who has written a book all about it.
Just to be clear: this is a full and frank discussion about the issues around weight loss, the body positivity movement, and the health risks of obesity. We hear some tough stats about the dangers of being overweight, and some graphic descriptions of fat shaming. There's also some strong language.
Johann tells us about his personal experience of taking Ozempic, and whether he'd recommend it to his friends. We find out why one scientist has predicted 30 percent of us will be on the drug in a few years, and why its invention could be as significant for society as the arrival of the smartphone.
Speaking of which - we ask Johann if he's successfully cured himself of his phone addiction since we last had him on the podcast to discuss his previous book, Stolen Focus.
We end of course with Scummy Mummy Confessions, and a discussion of whether Princess Diana used the C word.
Johann's book, Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs, is out now. You can find all his gubbins over at johannhari.com.
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Correction: ‘In episode 281 interview with Johann Hari, discussing the new weight-loss drugs, Johann said the British food critic Jay Rayner took Ozempic and lost his pleasure in food. It was, in fact, a different writer.’