This seemingly simple question reflects the complexity of the global obesity crisis that has had a profound impact on societies worldwide. Johann Hari, a bestselling author, has been trying to answer this question while investigating the potential of emerging weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. These medications, primarily developed for treating Type 2 diabetes, have shown promising results in controlling weight, which has led some to view them as potential solutions to the global obesity epidemic.
However, Hari emphasizes that while these drugs could potentially revolutionize the fight against obesity, they carry risks and unknowns. History has shown that every few decades, a new weight-loss drug emerges, promising miraculous results, only to later reveal dangerous side effects.
Today, the world is grappling with an obesity epidemic that has tripled since 1975. In Australia, two-thirds of the population is considered overweight or obese. The demand for an effective solution is immense, as evidenced by Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, which has become Europe’s most valuable company.
Novo Nordisk, along with its American rival Eli Lilly, has pledged billions of dollars to ramp up production to meet the surging global demand. This market, estimated to be worth over $100 billion by the end of the decade, has captured the attention of food manufacturers and others affected by shifting consumer habits.
For Hari, the journey to understanding Ozempic was personal. He lost 20 kilograms using the drug, which significantly reduced his risk of chronic diseases. Despite its effectiveness, he experienced unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Moreover, he realized that the medication had stripped him of his usual coping mechanism of overeating, which led to a period of emotional difficulty.
The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, warns of potential side effects, including pancreatitis, kidney problems, gastrointestinal issues, and even a possible increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to animal studies. Hari argues that people must weigh the risks of these drugs against the dangers of remaining obese.
While the drugs offer promise, Hari also highlights an alternative approach, referencing Japan, which has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. He believes that education about healthy eating habits and nutrition should be emphasized to combat the obesity crisis.
Dr. Kathryn Williams, an obesity expert, supports these drugs as a game changer but emphasizes that they shouldn’t be considered a quick fix or used by everyone. Due to high demand, shortages have already left some patients in critical need of the drugs unable to access them.
Hari concludes his book by presenting three potential scenarios for how the world could handle these drugs:
- Pessimistic Scenario: The drugs could have unforeseen side effects, similar to the 1990s diet drug Fen-phen, which was pulled from the market due to severe health risks.
- Middle Scenario: The drugs work, but only a privileged few can access them while many others continue to suffer.
- Optimistic Scenario: The drugs prove effective, safe, and accessible to all, ultimately awakening society to reevaluate the factors that led to this crisis and take action to change them.
Ultimately, Hari advocates for a collective approach to addressing obesity, one that involves not just pharmaceutical solutions, but also social changes akin to how the world tackled smoking.
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