NEWS

Follow the accumulating evidence and observations that shape our view of health policy and obesity

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Oh Snap at the Union Square Farmers Market, photograph by Deansfa

A Natural Experiment Restricting Non-Nutritious Foods in SNAP

January 4, 2026

Food & Nutrition, Food Industry, Health & Obesity, Health Policy

The new year has brought a new natural experiment on the effects of restricting availability of “non-nutritious” foods. That’s a euphemism for junk foods. Policymakers who are opposed to regulating the availability of junk food – “a threat to freedom” – have no reluctance about regulating the freedom of people who need food assistance. Thus, […]

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Spraying Pesticide, photograph by Galeri Ega

Landmark Glyphosate Paper Retracted Due to Integrity Issues

January 3, 2026

Health & Obesity, Health Policy, Scientific Meetings & Publications

One of the hottest scientific and legal debates that has long been simmering about a potential endocrine disrupting chemical is all about glyphosate. This herbicide is sold under the Roundup brand name. Last month, the journal of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology issued a scathing retraction notice for a landmark glyphosate paper that has played a […]

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Still Image from Advertising by Noom, January 2026

Goodbye Diet Season, Hello Telehealth GLP-1 Season

January 2, 2026

Consumer Trends, Health & Obesity, Health Policy

We do not feel any nostalgia for “diet season.” None. Its demise was apparent two years ago. But in its place, it seems we have a telehealth GLP-1 season. Rebel Wilson is screaming at us to sign up for microdosing with a GLP-1. Put those ads together with somewhat calmer advertising from Ro and Hims, […]

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Five Trends to Define 2026 in Obesity, Nutrition, and Health

Five Trends to Define 2026 in Obesity, Nutrition, and Health

January 1, 2026

Consumer Trends, Food & Nutrition, Food Industry, Health & Obesity, Health Policy, Scientific Meetings & Publications

The slate is clean. All is forgiven. We have a fresh new year ahead. So that has us thinking about the trends that are likely to define 2026 in obesity, nutrition, and health. Here are five that floated to the top of our mind. 1. Healthy Weight for Life We have said it before. Weight […]

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Disaster in the Rearview Mirror, illustration created for ConscienHealth

Curses and Blessings from 2025 in the Rearview Mirror

December 31, 2025

Consumer Trends, Food & Nutrition, Food Industry, Health & Obesity, Health Policy, Scientific Meetings & Publications

This has been quite a year that we are closing out on this New Year’s Eve. As we start another new year, we will be leaving behind an ample collection of curses we suffered and blessings we enjoyed in 2025. No doubt, you have your list. So here is our own brief list of the […]

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Cats All Around, Illustration for “Millions of Cats” by Wanda Gág

Herding Cats Toward Something Better Than BMI

December 30, 2025

Health & Obesity, Scientific Meetings & Publications

Everyone seems to know it. We need something better than BMI to serve as a clinical index for the diagnosis of obesity. But getting them to move on is like herding millions of cats. Agreement on the substitute and movement toward it is hard to find. In Search of an Alternative Writing on Medscape, obesity […]

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Babel Tower Construction, mosaic in Monreale Cathedral

The Problem with Obesity as a “Modifiable Risk Factor”

December 29, 2025

Health & Obesity, Health Policy, Scientific Meetings & Publications

“Obesity, in particular, stands out as a modifiable risk factor,” says a recent article on modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Why is this phrase, so often used to define obesity, such an irritant? This is a catchphrase with a lot of history and it’s that history that is the source of friction. […]

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The Onion Market, painting by Raoul Dufy

No Foolin’ – GLP-1s Will Likely Reshape Food Markets

December 28, 2025

Consumer Trends, Food & Nutrition, Food Industry, Health & Obesity, Scientific Meetings & Publications

Yet another careful study of shifts in spending on food and restaurant purchases tells us that yes indeed, GLP-1s will likely reshape markets for food. Food systems already feel it and are beginning to adapt. But truthfully, this is probably just a faint, flickering indication of what’s to come. A Careful Analysis of Food Purchasing […]

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The Five Biggest Stories of 2025 in Nutrition and Physical Activity

The Five Biggest Stories of 2025 in Nutrition and Physical Activity

December 27, 2025

Consumer Trends, Food & Nutrition, Food Industry, Health Policy

This was a year of great change in nutrition, physical activity, and wellness. RFK Jr. and his MAHA agenda came in with the new administration, “guns-a-blazing,” as our president might say. The result has been some very interesting cross-currents and attention-grabbing headlines. Here are five of the biggest stories we’ve been watching this year. 1. […]

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Christmas Eve, painting by George Inness

Five Big Milestones in 2025 That Matter for Obesity and Health

December 26, 2025

Consumer Trends, Health & Obesity, Health Policy

This year is quickly winding down and with it, some unpleasant memories may, thankfully, fade. But for our interest in obesity and health, 2025 has been a very eventful year of progress, with five milestones that are particular standouts. So let’s pause and celebrate this progress. 1. Global Embrace of Obesity Care Perhaps the biggest […]

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