Discover the latest updates on food, nutrition, and health in our regular blog. Stay informed with latest news that covers a wide range of topics important to the well-being of the audiences you reach. Today’s update focuses on the most recent developments in food purchasing, specifically regarding the costs and health benefits of fruits and vegetables, alongside the current and potential future trends in weight loss medication.
THE COST OF FOOD & HEALTH IN THE NEWS
The issue of rising food costs remains a significant worry for consumers as prices continue to soar across grocery stores and markets. Families are feeling the strain on their budgets as they navigate the challenge of putting nutritious meals on the table while also managing their expenses. In times like these, individuals need to be mindful and seek innovative ways to maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank. By making thoughtful choices and being resourceful, consumers can stretch their dollars further and make more informed decisions when it comes to purchasing food items. As 2024 unfolds, the dialogue around food prices, healthy eating, and sustainability is likely to evolve, potentially leading to transformative changes in how we produce, consume, and think about food.
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- FTC’s new report: Feeding America in a Time of Crisis places blame for continuing high food prices/inflation on large food retailers
- Feeding America in a Time of Crisis: FTC Staff Report on The United States Grocery Supply Chain and the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Uber-style pricing is coming for everything
- Why we’re spending so much $
- Trader Joe’s raises banana prices for the first time in more than 20 years
A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT
Most Americans don’t eat enough fruits or vegetables – 1 in 10 adults get the recommended amount and the higher the income the greater the chance that youth eat fruit or dark green vegetables on a given day.
DoorDash is teaming up with other organizations to bring more fresh produce to children. Plans are to expand produce boxes beyond Houston, TX by 2025 through ProduceRX.
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According to FMI – The Food Industry’s latest report, fruit & vegetable consumption has dropped to a 7-year low across all meals, yet shoppers report they look to buy produce with an eye to avoid waste.
Fund a retirement bonus or weight loss drugs? States’ employee health plans and Medicaid programs can’t afford the high cost of these drugs, states institute restrictions as they see costs growing too fast.
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Should the federal government subsidize the cost of weight loss drugs for those who need them or those who are at risk of becoming obese/overweight? What are the economic factors involved? How will the fat acceptance movement react to it? What are the politics of subsidization? A medical economist lays out his view of how the federal government’s subsidization of weight loss drugs might occur in this wide-ranging 45-minute interview on The Gist podcast. He also wrote a NYT opinion piece.
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One doctor notes that side effects are to be expected with large weight loss; another questions if the reporting system for side effects can tease out causation. Furthermore, back problems and other chronic conditions may be due to excess weight, and some doctors are turning to weight loss drugs.
How will weight loss drugs affect the consumption of some drinks? CEOs are reaching out to pharmaceutical companies for advice. Meanwhile, healthy frozen meals have seen an uptick in sales for shoppers on these drugs. Other products that may benefit include popcorn and cereal, both low in calories.
Dr. Marion Nestle has thoughts about the recent Oprah special on weight loss drugs. Dr. Nestle notes that the special didn’t address some critical points.
A small randomized controlled study of 20 patients on an opioid abuse medication over 3 weeks found significantly reduced opioid cravings after the 10th day.
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China has the world’s largest number of obese people: how are people getting access to the drugs?
Dr. Sanjay Gupta offers some tips about accessing and using these drugs.
Herbalife debuts product aimed at weight loss drug users. It’s a ‘companion protein supplement’ to address nutrient and protein needs.
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FDA chief concerned about the availability of fake weight loss drugs. These compound and fake versions are being sold online.
High end gyms are acquiring weight loss clinics with doctors who can prescribe weight loss drugs; other gyms are developing programs aimed at building muscle for those on the drugs.
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Have you noticed changing language around ‘obesity’? This author has, including the use of ‘have obesity’ instead of ‘obese’ and ‘weight health’ instead of ‘weight loss.’
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The popularity of weight loss drugs and online influencers focus on monitoring blood sugar may be driving this market.
Costco adds weight loss program. The 3-month program will cost $179.