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Johann Hari: They’re Lying To You About The Side Effects Of Ozempic!

The Diary Of A CEO・2 minutes read

Weight loss drugs like OIC provide significant benefits in reducing obesity, but come with various risks, including psychological impacts and potential health issues, leading to a complex debate on their widespread use and societal implications. Despite concerns and unknown long-term effects, weight loss drugs are seen as a potential solution to combat obesity, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration, regulation, and individualized use to address the global obesity crisis.

Insights

  • OIC is a highly effective weight loss drug, reducing obesity by 15% of body weight in a year, but it comes with 12 significant risks, including weight regain, muscle loss, and potential suicidal feelings.
  • The cost of OIC varies significantly, with prices around £250 a month in Britain and $800 to $1,200 in the US, depending on availability.
  • Weight loss drugs primarily affect the brain, creating a sense of fullness and reducing appetite significantly, leading to a drastic decrease in calorie intake for most users.
  • These drugs have a profound impact on the brain's reward and satiety systems, potentially altering food preferences and behaviors, with ongoing debates among scientists on their mechanisms of action.
  • Japan's successful transformation of its food culture and education on healthy eating habits challenges the belief that obesity is inevitable in wealthy nations, offering a model for effective obesity prevention.
  • Weight loss drugs like Semaglutide are viewed as groundbreaking in weight management, targeting gut hormones to induce weight loss, with significant health benefits but also risks like muscle loss and potential long-term health effects.

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Recent questions

  • What are the benefits and risks of weight loss drugs?

    Weight loss drugs like OIC offer significant weight reduction benefits, with some newer versions showing even more promising results. However, these drugs come with 12 significant risks, including regaining weight after stopping, muscle mass loss, and potential mental health impacts like suicidal feelings. Despite their effectiveness in reducing obesity, the risks associated with these drugs highlight the complex landscape individuals must navigate when considering their use for weight management.

  • How do weight loss drugs affect appetite and calorie intake?

    Weight loss drugs like OIC work by creating a sense of fullness and significantly reducing appetite, leading to a drastic decrease in calorie intake for most users. This effect on appetite plays a crucial role in the drugs' ability to promote weight loss by curbing excessive eating habits and promoting healthier food choices. Understanding how these drugs impact appetite and calorie intake is essential in evaluating their effectiveness and potential risks for individuals seeking weight management solutions.

  • What is the cost and availability of weight loss drugs?

    The cost of weight loss drugs like OIC varies, with prices around £250 a month in Britain and $800 to $1,200 in the US, depending on availability. These costs can be a significant factor for individuals considering the use of these drugs for weight management, especially when evaluating their long-term affordability and accessibility. Understanding the financial implications of weight loss drugs is crucial in making informed decisions about their potential use.

  • How do weight loss drugs impact mental health and eating enjoyment?

    Weight loss drugs like OIC can have significant impacts on mental health and eating enjoyment, with potential risks including dulled emotions, disrupted eating patterns, and challenges in enjoying food. While these drugs offer rapid weight loss benefits, individuals may experience psychological issues related to food, leading to changes in eating behaviors and preferences. Evaluating the effects of weight loss drugs on mental health and eating enjoyment is essential in understanding their holistic impact on individuals' well-being.

  • What are the mechanisms of action of weight loss drugs?

    Weight loss drugs like OIC primarily affect the brain rather than the gut, with ongoing debates among experts about their precise mechanisms of action. These drugs target gut hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, creating a sense of fullness and reducing appetite significantly. Understanding how these drugs work in the brain and body is crucial in assessing their effectiveness and potential risks for individuals seeking weight management solutions.

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Summary

00:00

"Weight Loss Drugs: Benefits and Risks"

  • Johan Hari, a bestselling author, explores the benefits and risks of new weight loss drugs, particularly focusing on OIC, a popular drug.
  • OIC is a highly effective drug that reduces obesity by 15% of body weight in a year, with newer versions showing even more significant results.
  • Despite the benefits, there are 12 significant risks associated with these weight loss drugs, including regaining weight after stopping, muscle mass loss, and potential suicidal feelings.
  • The cost of OIC varies, with it being around £250 a month in Britain and $800 to $1,200 in the US, depending on availability.
  • These drugs have been used for diabetes for nearly 20 years, but their mechanism of action is still debated, with some experts suggesting they primarily affect the brain rather than the gut.
  • The drug is administered once a week through a pen, releasing 1 milligram per twist, with each pen containing four doses.
  • The drug creates a sense of fullness, reducing appetite significantly, leading to a drastic decrease in calorie intake for most users.
  • While the drug offers rapid weight loss benefits, there are significant risks and downsides, including potential impacts on mental health and eating enjoyment.
  • Despite the potential risks, the drug's effectiveness in reducing obesity is undeniable, with projections suggesting a significant portion of the population may eventually use it.
  • Hari's exploration of these weight loss drugs reveals a complex landscape of benefits and risks, leaving him conflicted about their widespread use and impact on society.

13:19

Drugs impact pleasure in eating habits.

  • Many people find that taking certain drugs can drain pleasure from food, leading to a life without enjoyment in eating, causing them to give up on enjoying life.
  • Food critic Jay Raina described how he couldn't find pleasure in eating at the best restaurants in Paris after taking these drugs, a common complaint among many.
  • The drugs can bring psychological issues related to food to the surface, challenging individuals by interrupting their eating patterns.
  • The author, however, had a different experience with the drugs, realizing that their pleasure from food stemmed from overeating to soothe themselves, which the drugs prevented.
  • The drugs slowed down the author's eating, making them enjoy food more by preventing overeating and stuffing themselves.
  • The drugs have a significant impact on the brain, affecting the reward system and satiety system, potentially leading to changes in food preferences and behaviors.
  • There are ongoing debates among scientists about how these drugs work in the brain, with theories suggesting they dampen the reward system, reset preferences, or dial up the satiety system.
  • An experiment by Professor Paul Kenny showed how rats became obsessed with junk food like cheesecake, shunning their natural diet and becoming extremely obese, indicating how certain foods can alter brain responses and behaviors.
  • The experiment highlighted how junk food can expand appetites and change food preferences, leading to a cycle of unhealthy eating habits.
  • Understanding the impact of certain foods on the brain and behavior is crucial in addressing the rise in obesity and the need for interventions like drugs to regulate eating habits.

25:57

"Modern Food Impact on Satiety Signals"

  • Professor Gerald M, a nutritionist at Harvard, highlighted that modern food consumption is affecting our ability to regulate when to stop eating.
  • The Cheesecake Park experiment, as detailed in Chapter 2 of a book, involved electrocuting animals while they ate certain foods, conditioning them to fear a yellow light.
  • Animals exposed to natural food would run away when the yellow light was shone, but those eating junk food would continue despite the light.
  • The desire for certain foods can override negative consequences, leading to overeating, as observed in the case of rats and humans.
  • Weight gain and the effectiveness of drugs in restoring satiety are interconnected, with the food we eat disrupting our sense of fullness.
  • Drugs that restore satiety hormones aim to counteract the impact of modern food on our satiety signals.
  • Weight loss drugs are seen as artificial solutions to problems created by a flawed food system, offering temporary relief while the root causes are addressed.
  • Dieting's long-term effectiveness is questioned, with studies showing that most people regain weight after initial loss, highlighting biological changes that hinder sustained weight loss.
  • The concept of a biological set point for weight, where the body resists weight loss, is explained as a response to historical food scarcity and the risk of famine.
  • Evolutionary instincts drive the body to resist weight loss, making sustained weight loss challenging due to biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

38:51

Weight management, dieting, and psychological impacts explored.

  • Approximately 177% of people are on a diet at any given time, despite decades of promoting dieting and exercise as the primary solutions for weight management.
  • Set point theory and the potential of drugs to reset biological set points are discussed, aiming to lower the body's weight maintenance temperature.
  • Stressful modern lifestyles, filled with social media and constant notifications, may impact our relationship with food and contribute to rising cortisol levels and ADHD diagnoses.
  • Personal experiences with weight loss drugs reveal significant weight loss over a year, leading to concerns about emotional well-being and dulled emotions.
  • The psychology of eating is explored, highlighting five reasons for eating, including sustenance, pleasure, and comfort, with comfort eating being a common response to stress.
  • Comparisons are drawn between weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery, emphasizing the positive health outcomes of surgery but also the psychological challenges post-operation.
  • Bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes-related deaths, but it also poses risks such as a 1 in 1,000 chance of death during the operation.
  • Post-bariatric surgery, individuals may experience psychological distress, with a significant minority requiring psychiatric treatment and an increased risk of developing other addictions.
  • Childhood trauma's impact on eating behaviors is highlighted through the work of Dr. Vincent Felitti, who found that 60% of severely obese individuals in his study had experienced sexual abuse or assault.
  • Trauma can lead to excessive comfort-seeking relationships with food, as seen in cases where weight gain followed traumatic events, such as sexual abuse.

52:01

Japan's Food Culture: A Model for Obesity

  • Some people react strongly to drugs due to feeling vulnerable to traumatic events being reenacted.
  • The term "obesogenic environment" refers to an environment that promotes obesity, making healthy choices difficult.
  • Processed food consumption leads to an average intake of 500 extra calories daily.
  • The government is aware of the negative impact of processed foods but lacks action due to political calculations.
  • Japan transformed its food culture consciously to combat obesity successfully.
  • Japanese schools serve freshly prepared meals with no processed food allowed, educating children on healthy eating habits.
  • Japanese cultural norms include eating until 80% full and consuming a variety of small portions in a balanced meal.
  • Children in Japan are taught to appreciate and enjoy healthy foods from a young age.
  • Japan's success in combating obesity challenges the belief that obesity is inevitable in wealthy nations.
  • Japan's deliberate efforts in transforming food culture and educating children offer a model for combating obesity effectively.

01:04:59

"Novo Nordisk: Europe's Valuable Weight Loss Drugs"

  • Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, is now the most valuable company in Europe due to the popularity of their drugs, with the market predicted to reach $200 billion by the end of the decade.
  • The drugs produced by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are associated with risks, particularly related to eating disorders, as they are easily accessible online or through telemedicine consultations, potentially leading to harmful self-starvation practices.
  • These drugs were initially created for diabetes treatment, with the discovery of their dual effect on insulin production and appetite reduction leading to their use for weight loss.
  • The drugs have shown significant health benefits, with individuals starting with a BMI over 27 being 20% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke over five years of use.
  • Approximately 47% of Americans are actively interested in taking these drugs for weight loss, highlighting the widespread appeal despite the associated risks.
  • Professor Jean Luke F's research in France revealed a 50-75% increase in the risk of thyroid cancer among individuals taking these drugs, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects.
  • Side effects of the drugs include the risk of pancreatitis, with studies showing a ninefold increase in risk, leading to severe pain and potential hospitalization.
  • The drug Semaglutide, marketed under various brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, has shown significant weight loss effects, with newer versions like Mararo and Triple G promising even higher weight loss percentages.
  • These drugs work by targeting gut hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, with future developments expected to introduce more variations targeting different gut hormones for varied effects.
  • Scientists view these drugs as a groundbreaking development in weight loss treatment, likening it to a game-changer and the discovery of the Holy Grail in the field of weight loss management.

01:17:48

Weight Loss Drugs: Risks and Concerns

  • Scientists have discovered a gut hormone, B, that controls weight, different from previous diet drugs.
  • A biotech billionaire takes various substances to optimize his life, including a drug called Azeck, leading to significant muscle loss.
  • Muscle mass loss is a concern with weight loss, as it is essential for movement and strength.
  • Excessive weight loss can result in significant muscle mass reduction, posing risks, especially in older age.
  • People who are already skinny and aim to become even skinnier may face severe muscle mass issues in the future.
  • Taking Azeck can lead to losing up to 20-30% of lean muscle mass, potentially causing muscle-related problems.
  • Some individuals may experience increased feelings of anxiety and depression, known as suicidality, while taking weight loss drugs.
  • The history of diet drugs, like Dinitrophenol, amphetamines, and Fen-Phen, has been grim, with severe side effects and health risks.
  • Unknown long-term risks, termed "unknown unknowns," associated with weight loss drugs are a significant concern, similar to past drug-related discoveries like antipsychotics and Alzheimer's disease.
  • While the risks of weight loss drugs are uncertain, the dangers of obesity, such as diabetes, are well-documented and severe.

01:30:23

Diabetes, Obesity, Medications: Risks and Choices

  • Diabetes can reduce life expectancy by an average of 15 years, with severe complications.
  • HIV, with proper treatment, can allow a normal lifespan compared to diabetes.
  • Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and amputations in the US.
  • Risks associated with obesity and diabetes medications should be carefully considered.
  • Personal choice between obesity and medication risks should be based on individual circumstances.
  • Some medications, like statins, have clear benefits that outweigh risks.
  • Discontinuing certain medications can lead to weight regain.
  • The impact of new drugs like OIC on society and industries is significant.
  • The availability and affordability of these drugs may lead to widespread use.
  • Government intervention may be necessary to regulate the use of these drugs, especially among younger populations.

01:43:24

Addressing Obesity Crisis: Strategies, Risks, and Impacts

  • Many people believe they can eat unhealthy foods like KFC and burgers while staying skinny, but this is incorrect as these foods become less appealing over time.
  • The obesity crisis is a result of the food industry's actions and lack of regulation, leading to the drugging of children with obesity.
  • Various countries have implemented successful strategies to combat obesity, such as Mexico's sugar tax, Minneapolis prescribing healthy food, and Finland's food supply transformation.
  • Japan's approach to obesity includes unique laws like the Metabo law, requiring companies to monitor employees' weight and take action if necessary.
  • Japan's lifestyle and diet contribute to the longest life expectancy globally, with a focus on healthy aging and joy in life.
  • Concerns about the long-term effects of weight loss drugs include potential tolerance development and metabolic slowdown.
  • The risk of eating disorders, especially among teenagers, is a significant concern when using weight loss drugs, as seen in past catastrophic incidents.
  • Regulation to limit access to weight loss drugs to medical supervision may help mitigate risks, but concerns about potential negative impacts remain.
  • Personal experiences with weight loss drugs can have emotional impacts, such as changes in relationships and self-perception.
  • The importance of addressing the obesity crisis and its related health risks is crucial to prevent premature deaths and improve overall well-being.

01:56:25

Weight, Appearance, and Societal Expectations: A Discussion

  • The speaker reflects on their niece's healthy weight and their efforts to convey a message of not being judged by appearance.
  • The speaker notes the lack of overweight individuals on television in their childhood compared to the current media landscape.
  • A discussion arises about the sudden weight loss of many public figures, with suspicions of dishonesty regarding their methods.
  • The conversation delves into the societal pressure on women regarding weight loss and the challenges they face.
  • The speaker explores the deep-rooted cultural associations of obesity with sin and the stigmatization of weight loss methods.
  • The narrative shifts to the concept of cheating in weight loss and the societal perceptions surrounding it.
  • The speaker highlights the collective crisis of obesity and the need for a united effort to combat the issue.
  • The discussion touches on the negative reactions to celebrities like Adele and Rebel Wilson losing weight, revealing underlying societal issues.
  • The speaker delves into the emotional pain and shame associated with weight and the impact of societal expectations.
  • The conversation transitions to the impact of weight loss drugs like a zek on addiction, with research showing potential reductions in substance abuse.

02:09:35

"Weight Loss Drug: Promising Self-Control Boost"

  • The drug being discussed is seen as promising, with some arguing it boosts self-control rather than directly regulating appetite.
  • Animal research on the drug is highly exciting, showing a reduction in addiction across the board.
  • Initial dosage for the drug is 0.25 milligrams due to common side effects like nausea, which can be severe for some.
  • Oprah Winfrey has publicly discussed using the drug and its positive impact on her weight loss journey.
  • The drug is considered a potential "magic bullet" for weight loss, but its effects and consequences are still being studied.
  • Exercise is crucial for mental health and overall well-being, even with the availability of weight loss drugs.
  • Weight loss drugs should only be taken by those who are overweight or obese, with careful consideration of risks and benefits.
  • The drug should be rationed based on need, prioritizing severely obese individuals and diabetics.
  • The author expresses regret over the impact of the drug's high demand on diabetics who urgently require it.
  • The author and the interviewer share a history of collaboration, with the author being grateful for the opportunity to discuss the book on the podcast.

02:21:49

"Magic Pill" book balances weight loss debate

  • The book "Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs" is set to be released on May 2, 2024, and is recommended for its balanced presentation of both sides of the weight loss drug debate.
  • The author is praised for their exceptional storytelling skills, influencing others and making difficult concepts more enjoyable to read.
  • A tradition on the podcast involves posing a question, with one being about why Humanity should continue to exist, prompting a reflection on the actions of individuals like Rob and Paul who selflessly help homeless people in Las Vegas.
  • Rob and Paul, who assist homeless individuals in Las Vegas, exemplify the importance of compassion and altruism, choosing to aid those in need despite facing personal risks and challenges, showcasing the fundamental reasons for human existence.
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