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Magic Pill

The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs

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Magic Pill

By: Johann Hari
Narrated by: Johann Hari
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$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.

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Bloomsbury presents Magic Pill written and read by Johann Hari.

'I learned so much' DAVINA McCALL
'Will help you think more clearly about eating, dieting, health and mental health' JONATHAN HAIDT

Over the last decade, an extraordinary scientific breakthrough has taken place. A new kind of drug has arrived on the market, working in an unprecedented way to revolutionise weight loss and dieting.

In 2023, Johann Hari began injecting himself with one of the weight loss drugs transforming how we look, feel and live.

What began as a personal journey soon took him on an international investigation, tackling some of the most world-changing issues as he asked: Who should be taking these medications? How are they set to change not only the way we think about weight loss, but our economies? What are the benefits – and what are the risks?

This is the book to read on the weight loss drugs taking over the world.

'Really important, and very necessary' STEPHEN FRY
'Compassionate, wise and mind-expanding . . . A must read' PHILIPPA PERRY Diets, Nutrition & Healthy Eating Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Medicine & Health Care Industry Pharmacology Social Sciences Weight Loss & Weight Control Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Magic Nutrition
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Critic Reviews

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 Maté)
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)
All stars
Most relevant
Thought provoking and eye opening. Enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This begs us to ask what are we doing to ourselves and the food company giants should be held accountable for targeting our young people with their sugary, salty, highly processed foods.

A must read!

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Johan’s books are always excellent, well considered and thorough. I feel much better educated having read it

Always wonderful

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I love all of this authors books, and this one did not disappoint. he also narrates in a really easy to listen to way. Thoughtful and well researched commentary on a very controversial issue

Fantastic!

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Great insight into the toxic food culture of the nation and how the big companies are all about profits. Well read, really interesting.

Eye opener to the food industry

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A thorough, heartfelt and comprehensvie review of what the medications may offer. Johann is an engaging speaker, so the audible version was particularly compelling.

Thorough, heartfelt and comprehensive review

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