'Super skinny': Johann Hari shares major warning for people taking Ozempic

Injectable weight-loss medications like Ozempic have rapidly become one of the biggest talking points of the last few years.

While thousands of users swear the treatment has completely transformed their lives, health experts and researchers continue to raise concerns about the long-term impacts.

On a recent episode of A Little Bit Extra, author of 'Magic Pill', Johann Hari, broke down where he stands on the global phenomenon - and his answer was far more nuanced than expected.

With a lot of love and compassion, I would urge people in that situation to not take the drugs because they're actually bringing on quite a lot of risk for themselves.

Hari explained that there is a compelling medical case for GLP-1 medications when prescribed to people living with obesity to help them reach a healthier weight range.

However, his main concern lay with the growing number of already healthy (or slim) individuals using the drug purely to chase a "super skinny" aesthetic.

"I don’t judge anyone," Hari said.

He noted that he completely understood why people feel intense societal pressure, particularly women, who are constantly subjected to unrealistic body standards.

However, his core message for anyone taking the medication without a medical need was clear: healthy-weight individuals should reconsider.

The primary reason comes down to physiological composition. When you drop weight rapidly through GLP-1 treatments or drastic calorie cuts, fat isn't the only thing being lost.

You lose significant muscle mass too.

Hari stressed that muscle function isn't just about looking toned; it is vital for long-term health and mobility. Muscle is what enables you to climb stairs easily, rise from a chair, and stay active and strong as you age.

Whether someone loses weight via Ozempic, restrictive dieting, or other interventions, muscle loss remains a major factor. For Hari, the conversation isn't about being strictly "anti-Ozempic", it’s about understanding who these medications were truly designed for, and whether chasing the “super skinny” trend is worth the potential cost.

Catch the complete discussion with A Little Bit Extra on rova.