Ozempic Expert: They’re Lying To You About The Side Effects!

Intro (00:00:00)

• Johan Hari, the bestselling author, lost three stone in a year using Ozempic.
• Ozempic is the hottest drug in the country for weight loss.
• There are concerns about the risks of these drugs, including a nine times higher risk of a particular excruciatingly painful condition.
• These drugs work on key parts of the brain and have 12 significant risks.
• It seems extraordinary that people would inject themselves with a potentially risky drug to stop eating.
• Diets and exercise have been promoted as the only solutions for weight loss for 40 years, but only 10% of people lose significant weight and keep it off.
• Ozempic is the most effective tool for self-starvation ever created.
• When Hari started taking Ozempic, his hunger reduced by 80%.
• These drugs can massively reduce or reverse obesity, and it is predicted that 50% of the population will be taking it in a few years.
• Within a year of stopping Ozempic, 70% of the lost weight is regained.
• Muscle mass loss is a real problem.
• There is concern that Ozempic may be causing suicidal feelings.
• One of the biggest risks is diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.

How Did You Find Out About Ozempic (00:01:46)

• Stephen noticed a significant change in the appearance of Hollywood celebrities after the pandemic, prompting him to investigate the use of Ozempic, a new weight loss drug popular among them.
• Ozempic's potential health benefits, such as reducing obesity and related health risks, intrigued Stephen, but he also had concerns about its side effects and impact on individuals with eating disorders and body acceptance.
• During his research for his book, "Magic Pill," Stephen spent a year taking Ozempic and interviewed various experts, including supporters and critics of the drug, to gain a comprehensive understanding of its effects.
• Stephen's increased knowledge about Ozempic's benefits and risks has left him conflicted about his feelings towards the drug, and he is concerned about its potential cultural impact.

What Is Ozempic & How Much Is It? (00:06:37)

• Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable pen used for weight loss.
• It suppresses appetite and reduces hunger.
• In the UK, Ozempic costs around £250 per month, while in the US, it can cost between $800 and $1,200 per month.
• The price of Ozempic has been affected by shortages.
• Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache.
• Less common side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems.
• Rare side effects include thyroid cancer, allergic reactions, and vision changes.
• Ozempic may also cause weight gain in some people.

How Does Ozempic Work (00:09:51)

• Ozempic, an injectable drug that simulates the natural hormone GLP-1, can lead to prolonged feelings of fullness and reduced appetite, aiding in weight loss.
• However, it carries risks and downsides, including potential side effects and a loss of pleasure in eating, which may cause some individuals to discontinue its use.
• Some people, like "J Raina," experience a diminished enjoyment of food, while others, like the speaker, confront underlying psychological issues related to food, such as emotional eating and binge eating.
• For the speaker, Ozempic slowed down their eating and curbed overeating, enhancing their overall experience with food, although they recognize that their positive experience may not be universal and that many may encounter negative side effects.

The Impact of Ozempic on the Brain (00:16:03)

• GLP-1 receptors are found in the brain and thyroid, not just the gut.
• Ozempic significantly affects the brain by dampening the reward system, resetting food preferences, and increasing dopamine production.
• There is some concern about potential side effects of Ozempic, including suicidal feelings and depression.
• Professor Paul Kenny suggests that drugs like Ozempic work by increasing the brain's satiety system, leading to reduced desire for food.
• Obesity rates have increased significantly over the past 40 years, raising questions about the need for potentially risky drugs to control eating.
• Experiments with rats have shown that an American diet high in sugar and fat alters the brain's response to food, leading to overeating and obesity.
• Junk food can undermine our ability to know when to stop eating, contributing to the high prevalence of obesity and the desire for appetite-suppressing drugs.

The Cheesecake Park Experiment (00:26:17)

• The Cheesecake Park experiment demonstrated that animals electrocuted while eating certain foods developed an aversion to those foods, suggesting a parallel to the current obesity epidemic where the food we consume disrupts satiety and leads to overeating.
• Weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, can restore satiety and help individuals manage their weight, although they are an artificial solution to a problem created by the food system.
• Addressing the root causes of obesity, such as environmental factors, is crucial, but immediate solutions like weight loss drugs are necessary to manage health risks.
• Jeff, a user of Ozempic, experienced significant weight loss and improved health, leading to a happier and more active lifestyle. While acknowledging the importance of addressing the environmental and mental causes of obesity, Jeff emphasizes the urgency of his own health concerns.

Obesity Is a Choice (00:31:16)

• Diets are effective in the short term, but most people regain the weight they lost within two years. Only 10% of dieters can lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off.
• The body has a set point for weight and works to maintain it. As a person gains weight, their body's set point rises, making it harder to lose weight.
• Dieting alone has not been effective in combating obesity, and there may be something missing in our understanding of weight regulation.
• Some argue that drugs like Ozempic may work by resetting the body's biological set point for weight.
• Comfort eating is a significant reason why people overeat, especially during stressful events. Ozempic and other weight loss drugs can reduce the ability to comfort eat, which can have psychological effects similar to bariatric surgery.
• Bariatric surgery can increase the risk of suicide by almost four times. Comfort eating is a key way of soothing people, and taking it away can be profoundly painful and distressing.

Addiction Transfer (00:44:53)

• Bariatric surgery can lead to addiction transfer, where individuals develop new addictions like alcoholism or gambling.
• Childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse, can lead to excessive weight gain as a coping mechanism.
• Weight loss drugs like Ozempic can disrupt the underlying psychological reasons for eating, causing discomfort and challenges.
• Deprivation of comfort eating, separate from the deprivation of pleasure, can be particularly difficult.
• Research supports the link between early childhood trauma and excessive comfort seeking through food.
• Dr. Jason Fung's study involving medically supervised fasting showed that 60% of severely obese participants had gained extreme weight after experiencing sexual abuse or assault.
• Some individuals who take weight loss drugs may experience psychological distress due to a fear of becoming vulnerable to traumatic events that may have led to their weight gain.

Obesogenic Environment (00:52:25)

• The obesogenic environment promotes obesity and makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
• Processed foods are cheap, abundant, and heavily marketed, contributing to obesity, while healthy foods are expensive and rare.
• Processed foods undermine our ability to stop eating due to their high calorie content and addictive properties.
• Some countries have successfully transformed their diets and reduced obesity rates, demonstrating the possibility of positive change.
• Japan is the only wealthy country that has not experienced a significant increase in obesity rates due to deliberate government efforts to transform the food culture.
• Japanese children walk to school independently from the age of five, ensuring regular exercise.
• Every Japanese school employs a professional nutritionist, and school meals are nutritionally balanced and prepared fresh daily.
• Processed foods are banned in Japanese schools, and students are taught to eat until they are 80% full.
• Japanese meals consist of five small portions of different foods, promoting gut health and slower eating.
• Japanese children receive education about the nutritional value of foods and how to eat a balanced diet.
• Childhood obesity rates in Japan are exceptionally low, and Japanese children generally prefer healthy foods.

Where Can You Buy Ozempic (01:04:55)

• Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable drug produced by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company.
• Novo Nordisk has become the most valuable company in Europe due to the popularity of Ozempic and similar drugs.
• The market for these drugs is predicted to reach $200 billion by the end of the decade.
• Ozempic is easy to obtain online, even for those who do not meet the criteria for prescription.
• Counterfeit versions of Ozempic are also readily available online.
• Eating disorders, particularly among young women, are a significant concern associated with Ozempic.
• Ozempic is the most effective tool for self-starvation currently available.
• Eating disorders experts are worried about the potential impact of Ozempic on young women.
• To mitigate the risk of eating disorders, experts recommend that Ozempic should only be prescribed by a doctor after a physical examination and assessment for eating disorders.

The Origins of Ozempic (01:07:43)

• Ozempic was discovered by accident in 1984 by Daniel Drucker.
• Drucker was studying the glucagon gene in the pancreas and found that a small part of the chain, called GLP-1, could be broken off and combined with insulin to produce more insulin.
• GLP-1 was found to reduce appetite in rats and pigs, leading to its dual use for diabetics and weight loss.
• People with a BMI higher than 27 who take Ozempic for 5 years are 20% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
• Ozempic has significant health benefits beyond vanity, including reducing the risk of heart problems.

Why You Shouldn't Take It (01:10:15)

• 47% of Americans are willing to take these drugs.
• There are serious risks associated with taking these drugs.
• Professor Jean-Luc F from France investigated the safety of these drugs in diabetics.
• Diabetics who took these drugs for three years had a 50-75% increased risk of thyroid cancer.
• The European Medicines Agency is investigating these findings.
• People who take these drugs may develop a gaunt and hollow face, known as "Ozempic face".
• Ozempic face is not a health problem, but it can be a vanity concern.

Is The Ozempic Face Real? (01:13:56)

• Pancreatitis is a rare but severe side effect of Ozempic.
• A woman named Michelle experienced excruciating pain and was hospitalized due to pancreatitis after taking Ozempic.
• A study by the University of British Columbia found that Ozempic increases the risk of pancreatitis by nine times.
• Pancreatitis pain is often compared to the pain of being stabbed and can be worse than childbirth.
• Semaglutide is the chemical name for the active ingredient in Ozempic.
• Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are different brand names for semaglutide.
• Wegovy is marketed for obesity and can be prescribed in higher doses than Ozempic in the US.
• Mounjaro causes a greater average weight loss (21%) compared to Ozempic (15%).
• Triple G, an upcoming drug, works on three gut hormones and causes an average weight loss of 24.2%.
• There are 37 gut hormones that can affect appetite, leading to various drugs with different side effect profiles and benefits.

The Risk of Muscle Loss (01:18:08)

• Muscle loss is one of the 12 big risks of taking Ozempic.
• Muscle mass loss is a real problem because it's essential for movement and strength.
• Any form of weight loss causes a reduction in muscle mass.
• Losing too much muscle mass can lead to sarcopenia, which is a condition that causes difficulty in climbing stairs, physical activity, and an increased risk of falling and death.
• People who are already skinny and take Ozempic to become super skinny are at a higher risk of muscle mass issues when they're older.
• Taking Ozempic can cause a loss of up to 20-30% of lean muscle mass.

Suicide Risk and Fatalities (01:20:36)

• The mental health effects of Ozempic, such as increased suicidality and anxiety, are debated among scientists and may be due to comfort food deprivation, unmet expectations, or the drug's impact on the brain's reward system.
• The history of diet drugs is marked by severe side effects, including blindness, fatal fevers, addiction, and heart problems, as seen with dinitrophenol and amphetamines.
• Extreme measures like jaw wiring and the combination drug Fenfen, which caused primary pulmonary hypertension and heart damage, have also been attempted.
• The long-term effects of these drugs, especially during pregnancy, are largely unknown and pose significant concerns.
• Antipsychotics taken in old age increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
• The potential risks of drugs like Ozempic, which affect key brain functions related to memory, taste processing, and gut motility, must be carefully considered against the risks associated with obesity.

How Do We Undo Stress (01:29:49)

• The long-term risks of obesity drugs are unknown, but the long-term risks of obesity are severe.

Diabetes Is More Deadly Than Weight Loss Drugs (01:30:01)

• Diabetes can reduce life expectancy by 15 years and is the leading preventable cause of blindness in Britain.
• Diabetes causes more leg amputations in the US annually than gunshot wounds.
• Obesity-related health risks, including diabetes, outweigh the risks of weight loss drugs for many individuals.
• People with a family history of thyroid cancer or muscle mass concerns should exercise caution when considering weight loss drugs.
• The choice between ongoing obesity and weight loss drugs is a personal decision based on individual risk assessment.
• The possibility of a "fen-phen" like scenario, where a weight loss drug is later found to have severe side effects, cannot be ruled out.

Downsides (01:32:24)

• The author is skeptical about drugs like Ozempic that seem miraculous because he believes there must be a cost associated with them.
• Ozempic, a new drug for weight loss, is having unexpected consequences on various industries, including those that produce knee and hip replacement hinges due to the potential reduction in obesity-related surgeries.
• The author compares the impact of Ozempic to the unveiling of the iPhone in 2007, expressing a sense of awe and uncertainty about its profound personal and social impact.
• The author emphasizes the importance of stress management and recommends using the stress monitor feature on the Whoop device, which provides real-time stress identification and scientifically backed breathing exercises.

Will Everyone Be on Ozempic? (01:39:21)

• Obesity is rising in the Western world.
• Ozempic, a drug that suppresses appetite and aids in weight loss, is becoming more accessible and affordable.
• The speaker predicts that Ozempic, or a similar drug in pill form, will become widely used due to its effectiveness and convenience.
• This could lead to a society divided between those who take the drug and those who don't, with potential negative consequences for the latter group.
• One dystopian vision is that Ozempic and similar drugs will be restricted to a small, wealthy elite, leading to increased health disparities.
• Another dystopian vision is that the drugs will be widely used, potentially leading to unforeseen long-term health consequences and a reliance on medication to maintain weight loss.
• The speaker expresses hope that catastrophic side effects will not emerge and that society will wake up to the potential dangers of these drugs, leading to changes in lifestyle and food consumption.

Should the Government Intervene? (01:42:47)

• The younger generation is experiencing increased anxiety, suicidality, and body dysmorphia due to societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards.
• Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes medication, is being misused for weight loss, leading to false beliefs about its effects on appetite and taste.
• The lack of regulation in the food industry has contributed to the obesity epidemic, resulting in children being subjected to medication as a consequence.
• Alternative solutions exist to address obesity, such as sugar taxes, healthy food prescriptions, food reformulation, and government regulations to promote healthier eating habits.
• Japan's Metabo law demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling obesity by requiring companies to monitor employee weight and implement weight reduction plans.
• Japan has achieved the longest life expectancy globally and one of the lowest rates of obesity-related illnesses, highlighting the effectiveness of their approach.
• The author visited Ogimi, the oldest village in the world, where there is a remarkable concentration of individuals over the age of 90, showcasing the potential for healthy aging.
• The author's encounter with a joyful 102-year-old woman, Matsu Fukuchi, emphasizes the importance of joy and physical activity in maintaining health and well-being.
• Solving the obesity crisis can lead to more years of health, happiness, and vitality, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives.
• Individuals should not be held solely responsible for their weight; the food industry has a significant role in promoting unhealthy foods and should be held accountable for its impact on public health.

Weight Gain After Ozempic (01:50:46)

• 70% of people regain the weight within a year of stopping Ozempic.
• There is a debate about whether people develop tolerance to Ozempic, with some scientists believing it is likely and others pointing to the lack of tolerance in diabetics.
• Bariatric surgery patients experience a similar pattern of weight loss and regain, suggesting that Ozempic may have a similar effect.
• There is concern that Ozempic may slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain if the drug is stopped.
• Rates of anorexia and bulimia were 42% higher than expected for teenage girls aged 13 to 16 since March 2020, possibly due to the stress of lockdown.
• There is concern about the potential impact of Ozempic on eating disorders, especially if children get their hands on it.

Children and Ozempic (01:53:59)

• There is concern about the potential for Ozempic to cause eating disorders in young people, especially those with a history of body image issues.
• In the 1990s, a popular amphetamine-based diet drug led to catastrophic outcomes when it was combined with eating disorders in young women.
• There are concerns that Ozempic could have a similar effect, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
• Introducing regulations to ensure that Ozempic can only be obtained from a doctor may help mitigate some of the risks, but it is not clear how effective this will be.
• The author's niece, Erin, who is a healthy weight, expressed an interest in trying Ozempic after seeing the author's weight loss.
• The author was concerned about the potential impact of Ozempic on Erin's body image and self-esteem, as she had always tried to teach her not to be judged by her appearance.
• The author believes that the recent trend of many women in the public eye losing a significant amount of weight is contributing to unrealistic body image expectations.

Celebrities Taking Ozempic and Hiding the Truth (01:57:21)

• The sudden weight loss of celebrities like Adele and Rebel Wilson, likely due to the use of Ozempic, has sparked discussions about weight loss and societal attitudes towards it.
• Women face harsher criticism and scrutiny for weight gain compared to men, and obesity is often associated with negative traits due to the concept of gluttony as a sin.
• Societal admiration for certain forms of weight loss follows a pattern of sin, suffering, and redemption, creating a toxic environment that pits individuals against each other.
• The food industry, not individuals struggling with weight, is the shared opponent responsible for the obesity crisis, and collective action is necessary to address this widespread problem.
• The recent surge in obesity rates is a relatively new phenomenon, and individuals with a high BMI often face daily insults and negative treatment, leading to feelings of shame and entrapment.
• The introduction of new weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, can trigger negative emotions and self-doubt even in those not directly affected by weight issues.
• It is crucial to recognize the underlying pain and shame that drive negative reactions to weight loss, rather than simply condemning individuals for their behavior.

Ozempic Is An Addiction Killer! (02:05:37)

• GLP-1 Agonist drugs, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), have shown promise in reducing addiction to substances like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin in animal studies.
• The mechanism behind this effect is not yet fully understood but may involve dampening the reward system and reducing the desire for harmful substances without affecting the desire for beneficial things.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that GLP-1 Agonist drugs may also help reduce addiction to shopping and other compulsive behaviors in humans.
• Human studies on the effects of GLP-1 Agonist drugs on addiction have mixed results, but some researchers believe these drugs may have broader effects on self-control beyond just appetite regulation.
• The most common side effect of Ozempic is nausea, which can be severe but usually goes away after some time.
• Notable individuals like Oprah Winfrey have publicly acknowledged using Ozempic for weight loss and have found it effective.

Oprah Taking About Her Losing Weight Journey (02:12:34)

• Oprah Winfrey described her struggles with extreme diets and exercise, including starving herself, which ultimately led to a knee operation.
• She chose to take Ozempic due to concerns about her health and has experienced significant weight loss and improved health as a result.
• While some people, like Jeff Parker and Oprah, have found significant benefits from Ozempic, others have regretted taking the drug due to severe side effects and risks.
• The complexity of these drugs requires an honest assessment of both the potential benefits and risks.

Will People Exercise Less If They Can Just Take Ozempic (02:15:03)

• People may exercise less if they can take Ozempic, leading to negative effects on mental health and overall well-being.
• Sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common, and while Ozempic can help with weight loss, it doesn't provide the same benefits as exercise, such as preventing disease, slowing down aging, and improving mental health.
• The decision to take Ozempic should be carefully considered, especially for those who are not overweight or obese, as the risks may outweigh the benefits.
• For individuals who are not overweight or obese, taking Ozempic is not recommended as the risks outweigh the benefits.
• For those with a BMI higher than 35 or very high body fat percentage, and who do not have thyroid cancer in their family or are not trying to get pregnant, Ozempic may be recommended after trying diet and exercise.
• For individuals with a BMI between 27 and 35, the decision to take Ozempic should be carefully considered, weighing the benefits and drawbacks.
• People who decide to exercise and change their diet may face skepticism about their weight loss, as many may attribute it to Ozempic rather than their efforts.

High Demand Of Ozempic & Issues Caused (02:18:58)

• Due to high demand, weight loss drugs like Ozempic are in shortage, affecting diabetics who rely on them for managing their condition.
• The author proposes a rationing system, similar to the one used in Britain for the COVID vaccine, to prioritize severely obese individuals and diabetics.
• The author expresses regret for contributing to the shortage by using Ozempic for weight loss and acknowledges that diabetics have a greater need for the drug.
• The author's book, "Magic Pill," presents a balanced view of weight loss drugs, discussing both pros and cons without bias.
• The author's storytelling ability makes complex concepts more enjoyable and accessible to readers.
• The book, "Magic Pill," is recommended as a valuable resource for understanding the benefits and risks of weight loss drugs.

The Last Guest Question (02:23:10)

• The guest poses a question: "Why should Humanity continue to exist?"
• The speaker, Stephen, has been writing a book about crimes in Las Vegas for 13 years.
• Stephen mentions two individuals, Rob Banghart and Paul Vino, who used to live in the drainage tunnels beneath Las Vegas.
• Rob, known as "hobo Santa," was attacked and left for dead by rival Cuban dealers in 2017.
• After recovering, Rob turned his life around and now volunteers for a group called "Shine a Light," helping other homeless people in the tunnels.
• Stephen shares an incident where Rob went to help people in the tunnels despite knowing they were the ones who tried to kill him.
• Rob's act of kindness prompts Stephen to reflect on the question of humanity's existence.
• Stephen suggests that meeting individuals like Rob and Paul, who selflessly help others, provides a compelling reason for humanity's continued existence.

[Music]

• End of the discussion.