2023-10-19 23:48:00
The increasing incorporation of these compounds could lead to a decrease in demand for foods and beverages, especially those most harmful to health. (Europa Press/Joe O’Connal)
Weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are seeing increased consumption in the United States, driving changes in food demand patterns and motivating people to engage in more physical activity, Archyde.com noted. In recent research carried out by Morgan Stanley Research, it is estimated that, by 2035, 24 million Americans, equivalent to 7% of their population, estimate that they will be using such products.
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These drugs have led to a decrease in caloric consumption in the general population, as recently indicated by John Furner, the CEO of Walmart in the United States.
In view of this panorama, corporations are considering their risk of losses due to the massive incorporation of these weight loss drugs. The food, beverage and restaurant industries could see lower demand, especially for the most unhealthy foods, said Pamela Kaufman, a packaged foods and tobacco analyst at Morgan Stanley.
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“We recognize that the short-term impact is likely to be limited as drug use will gradually grow over time, but we could see a longer-term impact as its prevalence increases,” Kaufman said, adding that it is estimated for companies to adapt to changes in consumer behavior, innovating and readjusting their offers.
Experts stress that the growing trend toward the use of weight loss medications will likely change demand patterns, rather than suppress consumption universally. Food companies could make changes to their menus and even renew their brand to adapt to new consumer tastes.
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Additionally, Brian Harbor, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, emphasized that restaurants not only sell food, but also convenience and service, elements that will not disappear.
An analysis by Morgan Stanley Research projects that the consumption of these drugs will reach 7% of the US population. (REUTERS/George/File Photo)
In the medical field, the increased consumption of healthy foods, driven largely by these weight loss drugs, is expected to lead to a reduction in the demand for medical care and, therefore, a decrease in blood pressure. about the health system.
It should be noted that, in September 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the label for Ozempic, in order to recognize reports of intestinal blockage suffered by some users of the compound.
“Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and effectiveness of Ozempic and all of our medicines when used in accordance with product labeling and approved indications,” the manufacturing company told CNN.
“Because these reactions are reported voluntarily in a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship with drug exposure,” the drug label reads.
Finally, it should be noted that the use of these compounds could cause an increase in attendance at gyms and fitness centers. According to a study by Morgan Stanley Research, the number of respondents who reported exercising weekly doubled, going from 35% before taking the drug to 71% after using it; a scenario in which gym chains would benefit.
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