Author Johann Hari shares his experience with Ozempic, revealing both the benefits and unexpected psychological toll of the popular weight-loss drug
In a candid account of his experience with Ozempic, journalist Johann Hari sheds light on the complex reality of using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Hari, who lost 42 pounds using Ozempic and Wegovy, describes his journey as part of a “mass experiment” in tackling obesity.
Hari’s decision to try Ozempic was driven by family history of heart disease. The drug’s effect was almost immediate, dramatically reducing his appetite within days of his first dose. However, the psychological impact caught him off guard.
“For the first six months I was taking the drug, I was getting what I wanted — I was losing loads of weight, my back pain went away, all sorts of good things happened. But I didn’t actually feel better in my emotions. If anything, I felt slightly worse,” Hari reveals.
The author found himself grappling with the loss of food as a coping mechanism. This unexpected challenge forced him to confront the emotional reasons behind his overeating habits.
While Hari experienced some physical side effects, including mild nausea and increased heart rate, he emphasizes that the benefits outweighed these discomforts. His daily calorie intake dropped from 3,200 to 1,800 without feeling hungry.
Despite concerns about long-term effects, Hari plans to continue using the medication, citing studies showing a 20% reduction in heart attack or stroke risk with Wegovy.
Hari’s experience highlights the nuanced nature of these weight-loss drugs. While they offer significant benefits, they also come with potential risks and psychological challenges that users should be prepared to navigate.
As these medications gain popularity, Hari stresses the importance of careful consideration and ongoing research. “The drugs are such a powerful tool. They’re going to have huge and unpredictable effects — positive and negative. That’s why we need to take a beat and really think about this incredible revolution that’s hitting us,” he concludes.
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