The Ozempic Effect
In the Spring Issue of Small Farm Canada magazine, we cover 2024 Food Trends identified by Nourish Food Marketing including a different take on charcuterie boards, the Mediterranean diet, replacing Omega 6 oils and the all encompassing regenivore diet.
An additional trend has been identified with the increased usage of GLP-1 class of drugs signaling a mind-shift in how society perceives obesity—it is now seen as a chronic condition requiring medication for a cure. The price and form of these Ozempic and Ozempic-like drugs will decrease as more companies supply them, increasing access to more and more people.
GLP-1 drugs replicate the naturally occurring process of the gut secreting incretin, a group of hormones that control appetite and metabolism. People using GLP-1 are likely to buy less unhealthy food, like high-calorie snacks and highly processed fast food, as they prioritize healthier choices. This could benefit producers of more nutritious foods, as consumers prioritize the quality of ingredients over quantity. Farmers and food companies selling products high in calories, sugar, or carbohydrates may be most at risk of losing ground.
GLP-1 drug users will focus on food with additional functions, especially as they try to preserve muscle mass while losing weight. And the ideas are contagious even if only one member of a family or friends uses this drug, some of the healthy behaviour rubs off on everyone.
For more stories about farmers and food producers making healthy choices for society and the soil, check out the Spring issue of Small Farm Canada magazine.
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