Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
Magic Pill
- The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs
- Narrated by: Johann Hari
- Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for £12.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Summary
The bestselling author of Lost Connections and Stolen Focus takes a revelatory look at the new drugs transforming weight loss as we know it – sharing his personal experience on Ozempic and examining our ability to heal society’s dysfunctional relationship with food, weight and our bodies.
In January 2023, Johann Hari started to inject himself once a week with Ozempic, one of the new drugs that produces significant weight loss. He wasn’t alone – some predictions suggest that in a few years, one in four of the British population will be taking these drugs. While around 80 per cent of diets fail, someone taking one of the new drugs is likely to lose up to a quarter of their body weight in six months. To the drugs’ defenders, this is a moment of liberation from a condition that massively increases your chances of diabetes, cancer and an early death.
Still, Hari was wildly conflicted. Can these drugs really be as good as they sound? Are they a magic solution – or a magical illusion? Finding the answer to this high-stakes question led him on a journey from Iceland to Minneapolis to Tokyo, and to interview the leading experts in the world on these issues. He found that along with the drugs' massive benefits come twelve significant potential risks. He also learned that these drugs radically challenge what we think we know about shame, willpower and healing.
These drugs are about to change our world, for better and for worse. Everybody needs to understand how they work – scientifically, emotionally and culturally. Magic Pill is an essential guide to the revolution that has already begun – and which one leading expert argues could be as transformative as the invention of the smartphone.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Critic reviews
'A brilliant synthesis of so much important information. Really important, and very necessary' (Stephen Fry)
'In Magic Pill, Johann Hari marshals his trademark talents at meticulous research, incisive prose, telling anecdote and keen insight to dissect yet another of our dysfunctional culture’s troubling features: the obesity epidemic of the past few decades and its treatments. Entertaining without trivializing and deeply informative without being prescriptive, this book leaves us with much to ponder, both on the individual and social levels' (Gabor Maté)
'Magic Pill is a fascinating exploration of weight-loss pharmaceuticals that will redefine our approach to obesity . . . This book is not just a personal story, but an examination of how these drugs interact with social norms and personal health, promising liberation – and new psychological dilemmas. As we stand on the brink of a medical revolution, Magic Pill is a vital guide through the complex scientific, emotional, and cultural landscape of this new frontier' (Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of THE POWER OF HABIT)
'Compelling, thoughtful and fascinating, a revealing and inspiring meditation on weight loss, addiction, and the new drugs that may change the way we think about and treat obesity' (Maia Szalavitz)
'With the intense interest in the new miracle weight-loss drugs, we need a balanced look at their promise and peril. Entertaining and highly-readable, Johann Hari’s Magic Pill delivers the information people need to help make a medical decision that might change their future' (Arthur C. Brookes, bestselling author of FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH)
More from the same
What listeners say about Magic Pill
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- cheerfulsoul
- 09-05-24
Heartfelt Investigation
Insightful and thoughtful research, made more affecting by the writer's self discovery about the reasons behind (his) compulsive eating. Great narrative structure, almost like a thriller/page turner: weaving the health, psychological and social aspects of this important topic. Unputdownable! I particularly enjoyed his narration and the warmth behind his words; he came across as a decent chap, with the heart in the right place. Highly recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Waywardsister22
- 09-05-24
unbiased
Reasonable arguments for and against Ozempic. Well researched, personal anecdotes and informative. Quite scary too, in how this may progress in the future. I'll read more of his work now.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cassandra
- 12-05-24
Another great book by Johann Hari
I love Johann Hari’s books and performance style. He researches thoroughly and makes his findings interesting ans understandable.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 12-05-24
Classic Johann Hari
If you liked Johann's other books I'm sure you'll enjoy this. I found it an interesting and balanced investigation into a particularly pertinent topic and always enjoy Johann's narration and honesty about his relevant personal experiences.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 11-05-24
Dilemma for our generation…fit, fat or fix.
Truly great piece of writing and objective journalism. Balanced views expressed and laid out for YOU to decide which path to follow. Food corporations have so much to answer for…peddling sugars, fats and ultra processed foods that have the same effects on our bodies as heroin, nicotine and other drugs. Are the drug manufacturers of these “magic pills” just looking for the next consumer gravy train or do they have a genuine desire to save us?
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- taylor g.
- 13-05-24
Eye-opening listen!
I purchased this book after listening to Johann's podcast interview on Diary of a Ceo. It was engaging throughout and a really eye-opening subject. This left me with a lot to consider. The book provides a balanced review from both sides of the argument. Definitely recommend
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Thescotsman
- 12-05-24
Well read, researched and convincing.
I read this as my wife is considering going for the jab. I wanted to understand the drugs more, to better support her. In fact I left with a better understanding of just how difficult diet control is for her. I don’t have a problem with food so my default has always been “just stop eating so much. It is as simple as calories in, calories out”. Of course that did nothing to support or help her - the opposite. I now have deeper understanding of the how food and comfort controls the mind and body. I am immediately more compassionate and understanding. Brilliant. Finally, we have a fairly good diet with a smattering of junk food. After reading this I suspect you will think twice about eating processed food.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DanniBella
- 18-05-24
Insightful, Wise, Kind
This book is actually healing my broken heart. It addresses so many issues that have haunted me for a lifetime. I had a very similar childhood as the author when it came to food. There's something about the author's honesty and relatability that makes this book feel like a very wise friend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dylan
- 08-05-24
Well written and well narrated
Really enjoyed this book. More of a story than a scientific debate, but very interesting.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs I.
- 08-05-24
another brilliant book
Another brilliant book from this talented author. it is great to hear him reading his own words with just the right amount of feeling. He researches his material so carefully.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!