Leif GW Persson, the renowned Swedish criminologist and author, has lost 13 kilos since starting an obesity medication in the spring. The weight loss has improved his mobility, and he aims to lose a total of 30 kilos by Christmas to qualify for knee surgery. Despite side effects like loss of appetite, Persson is determined to improve his health, supported by his wife Kim. He continues to engage in TV appearances and writing projects.
Leif GW Persson Sheds 13 Kilos with Obesity Medication
Leif GW Persson Sheds 13 Kilos with Obesity Medication
Leif GW Persson, 80, began taking obesity medication this spring, and the results are now evident.
The health benefits are clear, says Leif GW Persson.
– It's easier to walk, naturally. But taking this version of Ozempic has also meant that I've lost my appetite. Nothing tastes like anything anymore.
He continues: – It's worth it since it helps me become lighter, but it's not very fun.
How did it go during midsummer, you who enjoy Swedish traditional food and festive meals with family and friends? – I ate almost nothing. And I've been drinking less and less alcohol over the years, but now I have no desire for alcohol at all. It's a bit sad because there are pleasant aspects to drinks too. But at such festive occasions, I do my best anyway, haha.
When Expressen followed Leif GW Persson and Camilla Kvartoft during the filming of the penultimate episode of "Veckan" on SVT at the end of April, it became clear that Leif reluctantly agreed to be transported in a wheelchair from the taxi through the long corridors of the SVT building to conserve energy for delivering in the studio, where he also had to move between different elevations and tables. He could walk, but with crutches and some effort.
Aiming to Lose Weight for Surgery
He revealed that the following Monday, May 4, he would start with a weight loss medication.
– Since I have difficulty walking, I thought that if I weighed 20 kilos less, it would be easier. I have osteoarthritis, but the doctors don't want to operate on me because I have such a bad heart. They think it would be terrible if I died during a knee operation, explained Leif GW.
He also said he was prepared to endure some nausea, a known side effect of Ozempic-like preparations, to avoid having so much knee pain.
Now, 3.5 months later, the scale shows 13 kilos less than it did in the spring.
– 13 kilos is a good start. It's not about participating in the Vasaloppet, but I'm more mobile now.
– The hope is to lose 30 kilos in total by Christmas. Then I'll be in good enough shape to have surgery and fix my knees and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is tricky as hell and doesn't correct itself.
Between TV recordings, Leif GW Persson also shared that he quit snuff last year after 61 years as a user.
– It's not supposed to be possible... The first five days weren't fun, they could have been better. But now I'm free from it, he noted.
Just like in the spring, Leif GW Persson takes 100-120 tablets a week in the form of blood pressure-lowering, blood-thinning, and cholesterol-lowering medications.
Leif GW's Wife Supports Him
His wife, Kim Persson, 67, whom Leif has described as "extremely well-organized in the head," saved his life on Epiphany Eve 2004 when she discovered he had a blood clot while he was asleep.
– She's of course happy that I've taken charge of my health and am losing weight now, admits Leif GW.
After SVT decided to cancel "Veckan" despite high viewership after just one year, Leif GW Persson made a comeback in July on "TV4 Nyhetsmorgon" as an expert in criminal cases. He now appears there in segments every Sunday.
This summer, the criminology professor has also worked intensively on the script for the upcoming crime novel.
On Tuesday evening, he participated in Albert Bonniers Förlag and Wahlström & Widstrand's annual autumn party at Nedre Manilla on Djurgården, where the cultural elite gathered to celebrate the book autumn of 2025.
– I have jackets in all different sizes, and now I fit into a lot of jackets that I had tailored a few years ago, says Leif GW Persson.