A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between the use of anti-obesity medications and increased food waste among certain adults in the U.S. Findings show that individuals using GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, have reported throwing away more food since starting their treatment.
Study Overview
In an online survey involving users of these medications, around 25% of participants admitted that their food waste had increased since they began taking the drugs, while 61% disagreed with this assertion.
Interestingly, those who experienced nausea—a common side effect—were more likely to note greater food waste.
The study also found that longer usage of these medications and an uptick in vegetable consumption were connected to reduced food waste.
Researchers at The Ohio State University conducted this study to explore how these popular anti-obesity drugs might affect eating habits and food disposal practices on both national and global scales.
Brian Roe, a professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics and a senior author of the study, described this research as a foundational inquiry into the influence of these drugs on food preferences.
Key Findings
The results suggest that as users adapt to their medications, they may gradually waste less food, presenting an opportunity for healthcare providers to inform patients about potential increases in food waste during dietary adjustments.
This information could lead to reductions in both waste and grocery bills.
The research was published recently in the journal Nutrients, emphasizing the startling statistic that roughly one-third of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, with consumers responsible for nearly half that amount.
According to the National Academies, the average individual discards about one pound of food each day.
As of spring 2023, about 6% of adults in the U.S. reported taking GLP-1 agonists, which help manage type 2 diabetes and obesity by regulating gut hormones related to blood sugar levels, gastric emptying, and feelings of fullness.
Within the survey group, nearly 70% were on semaglutide, sold under various brand names, including Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, while 25% used terzepatide (Mounjaro).
Implications for Future Research
The study surveyed 505 adults currently taking these anti-obesity medications, collecting data through a comprehensive questionnaire.
This questionnaire explored sociodemographic factors, individual characteristics, and changes in eating behaviors since starting treatment.
A critical area of focus was whether participants agreed with the notion that their food waste had increased since initiating the drugs.
Participants reflected a diverse mix of ages, income levels, and educational backgrounds, with most being insured.
Those who had been on the medications for over a year reported an average weight loss of about 20%.
Interestingly, among those on the medication for a year or longer, fewer reported increased food waste compared to roughly 30% of users who had been on the drugs for just 90 days or less.
While nausea was a primary factor contributing to increased food waste, researchers noted that shifts in food preferences could also lead individuals to discard items they no longer enjoy.
Generally, participants indicated they were incorporating more vegetables, proteins, fish, and healthy fats into their meals, while cutting back on alcohol, carbohydrates, fried foods, sweets, and dairy.
Roe highlighted that changes in meat consumption appeared stable among medication users.
Specifically, the study found a rise in vegetable intake—often the most wasted food category in the U.S.—was linked to a lower likelihood of food disposal, suggesting a trend towards more vegetable-rich meals.
Moving forward, Roe plans to examine the financial implications of using anti-obesity medications, particularly concerning pharmacy expenses and food purchases.
With the rising prescription rates of GLP-1 agonists, their economic and environmental impacts warrant serious consideration.
Although individuals on these medications might reduce their food spending, it remains unclear whether these savings could offset the cost of the drugs.
Previous studies have shown that lowering food consumption at a population level can decrease energy costs, conserve land and water resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing food waste in landfills.
However, because these anti-obesity medications are relatively new, more research is needed to gauge their broader social effects.
Ultimately, it seems that these anti-obesity medications could significantly impact public health globally.
Changes in dietary habits may have important consequences not only for individual health but also for environmental sustainability.
This underscores the necessity for further investigation into these connections as they pertain to the food system and healthcare practices.
Source: ScienceDaily