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We’re back to finish up our chat on the “magical wonder drug,” so now is your warning: if you didn't catch last week's episode, go back and listen now!

Last week, we learned of the benefits and some of the risks associated with Ozempic and other semaglutide medications. Today, Johann, author of Magic Pill, shares some more of the risks, like the increased risk of cancer and the unknown effects of long-term use.

Yes, long-term use. One of the scariest things about Ozempic is that you will have to take it for the rest of your life (or you risk gaining back all the weight and the associated health risks of obesity).

Is it possible to get off the drug? To maintain progress? Johann and I discuss the most important piece of this answer: stopping obesity at the root.

So why are people obese? There are many factors, but we look into the interesting comparison of obesity rates in Japan (a shockingly or maybe not so shockingly low 4%) and the mega-high rate of North America (42%, you read that right—nearly half).

Johann got a first-hand look at the way Japan’s government and food industry support the health of it’s citizens. Some are great that we should consider emulating on our side of the globe, like heavily structured food plans and food education in schools by a registered nutritionist, and others maybe not so much (some of you would definitely cringe at a yearly weigh in your company office).

We also cover a controversial topic: the shame of using a weight-loss drug. Johann shares an amazing metaphor: If your house is on fire, you’re not debating rebuilding with less flammable materials; you’re putting the damn fire out. You can worry about the other stuff later.

Obesity is the fire, people! It’s risky, it’s dangerous, and it’s life-threatening. Tackling the food industry and your eating and exercise habits can come next, and it needs to so we can protect our kids from the same fate.

The idea behind the use of Ozempic and these similar drugs is to save people from obesity and the medical conditions obesity causes. Less obesity means not just more life but a more joyful life. Like a 103-year-old Japanese woman dancing in a beautiful red kimono.

Johann and I talk very seriously about the importance of regulating prescriptions and being very careful about who uses this drug.

Is Ozempic safe? The truth is, it's complicated. It will save people, it will kill people, and some people will be muddled in between.

If you’re interested in this topic, have questions, or just want to know more, be sure to check out Magic Pill by Johann Hari wherever you buy books.

What’s Inside:

• The risks of long term use of Ozempic and other similar drugs.
• Obesity in Japan; how the government changed their food culture.
• Why you shouldn’t be ashamed of using a weight loss drug.
• Is Ozempic safe?
• Stopping obesity at the root, looking at the food industry.

What an important conversation to have about the future of public health and these scientific breakthroughs in weight loss drugs! Can these be powerful tools? Are we prepared to cut obesity at the root and prevent the future need for these drugs? What are your thoughts on weight loss drugs? Are they worth the risk? Let me know on Insta!

Mentioned In This Episode:
Magic Pill
Johann Hari (@johann.hari) on Instagram
Johann Hari
Transform Your Body & Habits In 28 Days.  Guaranteed.
Fit Feels Good (@oonaghduncan) on Instagram