Exploring Japan's Low Obesity Rates and Cultural Dietary Differences

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This chapter focuses on Japan's remarkably low obesity rates compared to Western countries, attributing it to intentional dietary transformations by the government. It discusses the emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods in Japanese diet, particularly in schools, and explores how education about nutrition shapes food preferences from a young age. The speaker reflects on their visit to a school in Tokyo and draws parallels between the cultural differences in diet between Japan and Western nations, underlining the importance of addressing the obesity crisis for improved health outcomes.

Johann Hari is back on the podcast today and he looks completely different to the last time I saw him. He’s lost an incredible amount of weight, his face looks completely different and it’s all because of a drug you’ve probably already heard of. Ozempic.

Also known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs were initially used by doctors like myself in General Practice for type 2 diabetics, but have now found a use case to treat obesity.

For over a year, Johann has been self treating with the drugs and diving into the history of how these drugs were discovered and utilised. From the lab to the pharmaceutical companies & the doctors surgery to the popular pages of celebrity gossip columns; Johann tells the full story without shying away from the potentially dangerous reality of the sideffects and risks of these popular medications.

We talk about:

What Ozepmic and similar drugs do to your brain and gut

How it impacts addiction to food and other substances

What the potential risks are including cancer, pancreatitis and bowel obstruction

Why UPF and obesity are the main concern

You can purchase Johann’s newest book, ‘Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs’, available on 2nd May 2024, here: https://amzn.to/3Ulz2UB

Johann Hari is a New York Times best-selling author, his books include, ‘Chasing the Scream’, ‘Lost Connections’, and ‘Stolen Focus’. He has written for the world’s leading newspapers and magazines, and has twice been named ‘National Newspaper Journalist of the Year’ by Amnesty International.

Content Correction Note:

During this podcast with Johann Hari, discussing the new weight-loss drugs, (at circa 1m 44s) - Johann mentioned that the British food critic Jay Rayner took Ozempic and subsequently lost his pleasure in food. This comment was incorrect and it was, in fact, a different writer.

We apologise for any confusion caused here.

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