Anti UPF drugs.... From Chips-in to chipping-in.... ?
I'm not entirely sure of the mechanisms whereby so many of us get addicted to ultra-processed food, but there is an undeniable negative feedback loop between getting into the stuff and then craving more of it. The result: obesity and then the rest...
And we've tried a lot of things to break this cycle: from public health campaigns to sugar taxes and rebranded food packaging, but nothing has managed to break the mass-craving...
But now we have DRUGS!
Evidence from the United States shows that GLP-1 drugs – appetite suppressants like Wegovy and Ozempic – are not only helping individuals lose weight, but also bringing about HUGE societal level changes.
The typical patient on these drugs loses 15% of their body weight, and there's an additional ripple-effect.... households who typically consume UPFs are now spending 8% less on them.
I mean I was and still am sceptical about these drugs - a high tech solution to a capitalist engineered problem. I'd rather cut out the problem at source, but then the tax solution is pretty statist for my liking....
This drug-solution is quite nice as it offers choice without crudely penalising companies producing UPFs.
The economic downside...?
Of course this is very BAD NEWS for the massive UPF companies, and some people think the reason it's so hard to get hold of these drugs in the UK is because the government isn't providing the support to produce them rapidly, fearing declining profits.
Final thoughts.... common sense.....
I'm not comfortable with a tech solution to obesity, I'd rather people just developed some self-discipline, but maybe there is a role for these drugs... if they can help change habits after a relatively short course of them, then that's good news.
And stuff the profits of the UPF companies, we'll make that back with a healthier society more able to chip-in!
Rather than chips-in
Posted Using INLEO
There's a genuine worry that we could be focusing on the symptoms instead of tackling the actual disease.
Custom merchandise offers a smart way to creatively connect with your audience. From wearable tech to eco-friendly tote bags, brands are moving from “chips-in” products to “chipping-in” ideas—supporting causes, promoting health, or even raising awareness about innovations like anti-UPF drugs. These items aren't just giveaways—they’re conversation starters. When designed with purpose, they reflect your brand's values while keeping your message visible in everyday life. Make every product count.
Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_ali-raza
It's very early days with these weight loss drugs, I trust the Pharma industry about as much as I trust the UPF industry.
Both are keying into deep psychological and physiological mechanisms for profit.
I have a feeling that we will start to get a fuller story regarding the health implications of these "wonder drugs" in the years to come, and it will be a very familiar story.
UPF has been staring us in the face for decades and only now are people waking up to the racket.
We are easily manipulated..... caveman physiology, medieval institutions and the technology of the gods. It's all good fun until someone loses an eye :-)
I did some research recently about shopping trends and there is a general movement towards fresh food and away from UPFs and manufacturers are responding accordingly by adapting their product offerings. I'm guessing, though, that UPF availability and consumption remains high among more disadvantaged communities with consequent effects on health outcomes. The cost to the state is pretty high and probably rivals profits.
I think the jury is still out on the impact and long term consequences of these drugs, and I'm not sure there's much evidence of behaviour change, but many of the celebrities taking them look absolutely dreadful!
it's always going to be the more disadvantaged that have higher rates of problem consumption, I'm in the social justice camp for a long term solution to problems like this!
I find it problematic that we are creating a culture where we need a pill to control our eating impulses. This sounds too much like putting a band aid on a wound instead of healing it, pills can be a useful temporary tool but the risk is that people will become dependent on them to maintain healthy habits, I'm not completely against using these medications in cases where other methods haven't worked but I'm concerned that they become the initial solution when there are more sustainable and less risky ways 🤷♂️