Snacking is on the rise
A May 15, 2023 article in The Wall Street Journal noted a 32% increase in snack consumption over the past year. It’s spurred new companies eager to capitalize on consumer spending and will lead to people already struggling with obesity to even more highly processed foods, which will result in more weight issues. We as consumers need to prioritize our health and stop falling into the tempting hands of the fast food snack industry.
The Journal stated a survey found that U.S. consumers eat three or more snacks a day . Last year’s U.S. snack sales rose 11% from the year prior, according to market-research firm Circana. That has translated into an increase in sales of 22% by Hershey alone from 2019 to 2022. A host of startups are aiming new products at America’s snacking habit, while established food companies including Campbell Soup and Kellogg are trying to make further inroads into the snack market.
Interestingly the same edition of WSJ had an article on how to negotiate a deal on one of the hottest prescriptions on the market - injections to reduce obesity. If you haven’t heard about them, you will soon in print and all forms of media.
Obesity Could Be Pharma’s Biggest Blockbuster Yet
Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are about to create one of the biggest drug categories of all time, according to the May 5th edition of Wall Street Journal.
These drugs were initially prescribed to people with Type II diabetes at risk for heart and kidney disease but are filtering out by way of mass media to anyone seeking to lose weight. While marketing companies create buzz around them, patient testimonies have focused not only on the dramatic effect on their waistlines, but also on how quickly many seem to pack the pounds back on if they stop taking the injections.
While snack foods are only one part of the obesity problem, obviously they contribute to it. Interestingly, the very same edition of the Journal posted an article on how to get a deal on the very expensive obesity drugs currently being rolled out to the general public.
What is the Answer?
Consumers need access to simple nutrition education that is practical and affordable.. It is not something you will learn through the media. The media’s mission is to sell products, and sometimes that means selling products that create a need for more products. Successfully marketing snack foods that increase likelihood of weight gain can lead consumers to seek out weight loss medications.
Become better educated so you won’t fall prey to the trap. Obesity medications may lead to weight loss but it requires ongoing use of the medications. Becoming educated and making changes in the foods you eat will reward you in feeling better and spending less both on food and on medications.
Note: The above is the opinion of the author and is not to be mistaken for medical advice.