Johann Hari discovered firsthand that while Ozempic might help curb our appetite, it can’t resolve our emotional relationship with food.
We’re in the era of Ozempic, a sentiment echoed by best-selling author and researcher Johann Hari, who delved deep into the topic in his latest book. Hari’s journey began at a party hosted by an Oscar-winning actor in Los Angeles during the winter of 2022, as the world emerged from a Covid haze.
“In the Uber there, I felt self-conscious because–like many–I’d gained weight during lockdown,” Hari recalls. “I imagined walking into a roomful of celebrities who’d done the same.” But upon arrival, he noticed something peculiar. “It wasn’t just that they hadn’t gained weight; they looked sharper, clearer, like their Snapchat filters.”
When Hari told a friend that it must be because of an increase in Pilates, she laughed and showed him a picture of a blue Ozempic pen. The penny dropped—it wasn’t Pilates.
What is the active ingredient of Ozempic?
What is the active ingredient of Ozempic?The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, a key player in a recent wave of weight-loss drugs that require weekly injections. With 47% of Americans wanting to use these drugs and predictions that one in four Brits will be on them in a few years, it’s clear these medications are at the centre of a complex health debate.
In Australia, semaglutide was approved in 2019 for adults with type 2 diabetes. This drug, which can also be taken orally, helps lower blood sugar and supports the pancreas in producing more insulin, mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which gives us a feeling of satiety. Users of these new drugs can lose up to a quarter of their body weight in six months.
The benefits of weight loss drugs
Hari, known for exploring deep societal issues, was fascinated and conflicted by what he observed that night in LA. His curiosity led to his latest book, “Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs,” where he interviewed over 100 experts worldwide, from critics to defenders of these drugs.
“On the one hand, the benefits were clear,” he explains. “Men in my family have suffered from obesity-related heart issues. Anything that reduces these risks is beneficial.”
However, weight-loss drugs have historically had mixed results. “People have rushed to take them, only to discover horrific side effects,” says Hari.
The impact on diet culture and body positivity
These drugs are also challenging the progress made in body positivity and acceptance of diverse body shapes. Hari questions, “Can you really have a free lunch? Can you get all these benefits without any costs?”
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The obesity epidemic
Hari points out the rapid rise in obesity: “In 1979, 6% of Brits were obese. Today, it’s 28%.” This unprecedented increase raises two key questions for Hari: Why did we gain so much weight so quickly? And how do these new weight-loss drugs work?
Obesity isn’t about a lack of willpower; it’s about the shift from fresh, whole foods to processed, factory-assembled foods that don’t provide satiety. These drugs boost your sense of satiety, counteracting the effects of processed foods.
The risks of weight loss drugs
Hari’s book highlights 12 significant risks associated with these drugs, including loss of lean muscle mass, pancreatitis, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, dizziness, allergic reactions, blurred vision, nausea, gas, burping, gallstones, and diabetic retinopathy.
He cites a French professor, Jean-Luc Faillie, who found that these drugs could increase the risk of thyroid cancer by 50 to 75%. While some scientists argue that thyroid cancer is rare and often survivable, it’s still a significant increase in risk.
Impact on eating disorders
Hari is particularly concerned about the impact on those with eating disorders. “These drugs are a powerful tool to suppress appetite, which is alarming for those with anorexia,” he says. There is already evidence that young women are obtaining these drugs through unregulated prescriptions and a counterfeit market.
Who should take weight loss drugs?
Hari emphasises that these drugs should be reserved for those who are obese or overweight. “If you’re already a healthy weight, please don’t take the drug,” he advises.
Mental health and weight loss drugs
Despite significant weight loss, Hari hasn’t seen an improvement in mental well-being. “I didn’t feel better. If anything, I felt slightly worse,” he admits. These drugs can disrupt eating patterns, bringing underlying emotional issues to the surface.
While Ozempic and similar drugs might help with weight loss, they can’t fix our emotional relationship with food. Hari advises to weigh the risks and benefits carefully and emphasises that these drugs are not a solution for everyone. “Obesity is disastrous for your health, but it’s not the fault of the individual. It’s the fault of the processed food industry.”
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Australia
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
