What motivates your weight loss journey?

How do you stay motivated when progress is slow?

Today, Jay welcomes Johan Hari. Johan is an acclaimed writer and journalist known for his deep investigative work on topics ranging from addiction to depression. He is the author of best-selling books like "Chasing the Scream" and "Lost Connections," which explore the root causes of addiction and depression, respectively. His latest book, "The Magic Pill," investigates the new generation of weight loss drugs and their impact on individuals and society. 

Johan shares the story of how he first learned about these drugs at a Hollywood party and his subsequent journey to understand their true effects. This journey took him across the globe, interviewing leading experts and individuals who have experienced the drugs’ effects firsthand. He candidly shares his own experiences with Ozempic, including the unexpected emotional challenges he faced as his long-standing relationship with food was disrupted.

The conversation also explores the broader societal implications of widespread use of weight loss drugs. Johan and Jay discuss the potential for these drugs to change cultural attitudes towards body image and obesity, for better or worse. They consider the economic ramifications, such as the declining market for fast food and medical procedures related to obesity, and what this might mean for the future of public health.  

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to evaluate benefits versus risks

How to navigate social stigmas

How to deal with obesity

How weight loss drugs could shape future societal norms

The psychological reasons behind overeating

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of modern weight loss solutions, offering a balanced view that considers both the remarkable benefits and the significant risks.

This interview took place at Soho Home at Soho Works 55 Water. 

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

03:30 Is the British Accent Authoritative?

04:16 Biggest Misconceptions About Ozempic

08:20 Three Ways to Treat the Magic Pill

11:35 How Obesity Became a Health Crisis

19:42 ‘I Don’t Feel Hungry’

28:17 The Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Drugs

34:36 Shame and Cruelty Against Obesity

47:09 Advocating for Body Positivity

54:14 Is the Fast Food Industry Shrinking?

57:26 Big Risks When Taking Ozempic

01:06:34 Varying Clinical Results

01:14:18 The Most Horrific Side Effect Recorded

01:16:11 Is Ozempic Safe for Kids?

01:19:22 Oprah’s Ozempic Challenge

01:22:50 Is It Cheating?

01:26:41 Investing in Weight Loss Drugs Research

01:27:30 How Japan Is Able to Control Obesity

01:37:01 The Cultural Models We Can Learn from Japan

01:40:23 Better Eating Habits is Still Necessary

01:42:52 Johan in Final Five  

Episode Resources:

Johann Hari | Website

Johann Hari | TikTok

Johann Hari | Instagram

Johann Hari | Facebook

Johann Hari | YouTube

Johann Hari | Twitter

Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs