Balancing Budgets & Nutrition: Navigating the Rising Costs of Healthy Eating | ELLEN’S BLOG | Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB)

Balancing Budgets & Nutrition: Navigating the Rising Costs of Healthy Eating | ELLEN’S BLOG

Posted by: on Tuesday April 2, 2024 African woman preparing fresh fruit juice

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.

healthy vegetables on a countertop being prepared with olive oil and grains in background photo by powerstock adobe stock

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.


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.

woman smiling cutting an apple with other fresh produce around her. 
photo by adobe stock
CDC reveals studies on fruit & vegetable consumption.

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.

Mature couple shopping vegetables and fruits on the market. Healthy diet. photo by NDABCREATIVITY adobe stock
Many shoppers cite they try to avoid food waste by reducing spending on produce

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.

Cropped image of woman feet standing on weigh scales, on gray background. A tape measure in the foreground By VadimGuzhva
The future of weight loss might be changing as the government subsidizes the cost

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.

Waiter in black apron stretches a cup of coffee By Nomad_Soul
Weight loss drugs might have an impact on the food and beverage industries

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.

Newspaper headlines related to Wegovy and Ozempic weight loss drugs and obesity By zimmytws adobe stock
Newspaper headlines related to Wegovy and Ozempic weight loss drugs & obesity

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.’

Lose weight concept with person on a scale measuring kilograms
By adrian_ilie825 adobe stock