Magic Pill

Reviews / Votes

A brilliant synthesis of so much important information. Really important, and very necessary -- Stephen Fry A brilliant book by a master story-teller. It's compassionate, wise, and mind-expanding. Whether you are excited about these drugs or sceptical of them, you will learn so much in Magic Pill - it is a must-read -- Philippa Perry I read this book in four days, and the whole time I have been quoting chunks of it to anyone that will listen. It is a game changer - for all of us. It is balanced and shocking, vitally important and crucially non-judgemental -- Davina McCall In Magic Pill, Johann Hari gives us a crash course on the new weight-loss drugs that will soon be transforming bodies, minds and societies on a massive scale. I had no idea of the power of these drugs, or of the complex web of risks and benefits, until Hari laid it all out with his wonderful technique of saying, "Come on a journey with me as I take these drugs myself while talking with scientists and colourful characters all over the world!" Magic Pill will help you think more clearly about eating, dieting, health and mental health, even if you never touch Ozempic -- Jonathan Haidt, author of THE ANXIOUS GENERATION 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 Mate 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 Hari is excellent on the booming ultra-processed food industry and the science of addiction that drives it . . . Magic Pill is a wonderfully accessible exploration of one of the most complex problems of our age -- Paul Nuki * Telegraph * [Hari's] own story helps him explore the complexities and wider politics of Ozempic in a nuanced, non-judgemental way. He understands, instinctively, that food culture and body weight are inherently emotional issues, and that we cannot understand rising rates of obesity, or the rise of Ozempic, with reference to health and science alone * New Statesman * I couldn't put Magic Pill down. Hari bares his soul about his personal battles with weight ... Unlike much of the commentary on this topic, which focuses on short-term problems, such as the drugs' high cost, Hari gets that, in time, they could have as big an impact as the arrival of antidepressants, speculating how they may reshape global health. I found it a fascinating read * New Scientist * [Hari's] descriptions of his own battles with his weight and yo-yo dieting are both funny and insightful * Daily Mail * A fast-paced and fascinating dive into an extremely sensitive topic, written by a charismatic and compulsively readable author -- Dan Harris Hari unleashes his characteristic blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and masterful storytelling to outline the rise of the latest weight loss pharmaceutical ... An easy-to-read and engaging overview of the current weight-loss drug landscape -- Dr Richard Armitage * British Journal of General Practice * A deep-dive into Ozempic couldn't be more timely - and necessary -- Andy Cohen Magic Pill may be the most revolutionary, honest and important book you read about weight loss, the body and food. As is always the case with a Johann Hari book, what appears to be a story about the drug, Ozempic, turns out to be a portal into the deepest investigation and revelation on how to live a healthy life -- V (formerly Eve Ensler)