The Godfather of Ozempic: How a Hormone Could End the Obesity Epidemic | Enrico Mayor Podcast #25

Jens Juul Holst — Discoverer of GLP-1 & “Godfather of Ozempic” — The scientist behind Ozempic explains why these drugs work so well, what the real risks are, and why they may reshape how the world fights obesity. In this uncut conversation we discuss: • How GLP-1 was discovered and why it first mattered for diabetes, not weight loss • The simple science behind Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro in plain English • The biggest side effects, long-term risks, and what most people misunderstand • Why stopping GLP-1 drugs often leads to weight regain without lifestyle change • Whether obesity is really about willpower, biology, or the modern food system 00:00 - Meet the Godfather of Ozempic 00:20 - Did anyone expect Ozempic to become this big? 02:01 - The early gut hormone research that led to GLP-1 04:28 - What GLP-1 actually does in the body 07:19 - When scientists realized it could drive weight loss 10:33 - Why early GLP-1 drugs had limited results 14:09 - The breakthrough from Saxenda to Wegovy 17:06 - How Jens discovered GLP-1 and proved it worked 20:20 - Taking GLP-1 from academia to Novo Nordisk 23:59 - Side effects, nausea, gallstones, and muscle loss explained 31:17 - What happens when you stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy 35:23 - Vision loss, safety concerns, and what the data really says 41:19 - Could GLP-1 drugs help people live longer? 44:39 - Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs the next generation 48:08 - Should people use GLP-1 drugs for smaller weight loss goals? 52:41 - Is obesity a failure of willpower or a broken food system? 📍 Follow Enrico: Instagram – @enricomayor TikTok – @enricomayor 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. 💬 Drop your takeaway in the comments & don't forget to Like & Subscribe.