GLP-1 agonists to be among 15 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations
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How different is the SAD than the American diet in the 1960s
The Standard American Diet (SAD) today is significantly different from the American diet of the 1960s due to changes in food production, processing, and consumption habits. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
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Processed Foods
• 1960s: Processed foods existed but were less prevalent. Many meals were prepared at home using fresh or minimally processed ingredients. Canned and frozen foods were common but not as heavily processed as today.
• Today: The SAD is dominated by ultra-processed foods (e.g., packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, fast food) that are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. -
Added Sugars and Sweeteners
• 1960s: Sugar consumption was primarily from sucrose (table sugar) in home-cooked meals, baked goods, and sodas. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was not yet widely used.
• Today: HFCS and other added sugars are ubiquitous, especially in beverages, snacks, and sauces. Americans consume significantly more sugar now than in the 1960s, largely due to the proliferation of sugary drinks and processed snacks. -
Fats and Oils
• 1960s: The diet included more natural fats like butter, lard, and animal fats. Margarine and vegetable oils (e.g., corn oil, soybean oil) were becoming more popular.
• Today: The SAD is high in industrial seed oils (like soybean and canola oil) and trans fats (though these are now being phased out). These fats are found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks. -
Portion Sizes
• 1960s: Portions were smaller. For example, a standard Coca-Cola bottle was 6.5 ounces, compared to today’s 20-ounce bottles or even larger sizes.
• Today: Portion sizes have dramatically increased, contributing to higher calorie consumption and rising obesity rates. -
Eating Habits
• 1960s: People ate more meals at home, often as a family. Dining out was less frequent and considered a special occasion.
• Today: Americans eat out or order takeout frequently, consuming more fast food and highly processed meals. -
Meat Consumption
• 1960s: Meat was a significant part of the diet, but portions were smaller, and meat was often cooked at home.
• Today: Americans consume more processed meats (like hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats) and large portions of meat, often through fast food. -
Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains
• 1960s: Breads and grains were less refined, though white bread was a staple.
• Today: The SAD is heavily reliant on refined grains (white bread, pasta, pastries) with fewer whole grains. -
Fresh Produce
• 1960s: Fruits and vegetables were more commonly included in meals, and local or seasonal produce was more common.
• Today: Despite greater year-round availability, Americans consume less fresh produce and more processed forms (e.g., fruit snacks, canned soups). -
Caloric Intake
• 1960s: Average daily caloric intake was around 2,000–2,200 calories.
• Today: Caloric intake has increased significantly, with the average around 2,500–2,700 calories due to larger portions and more calorie-dense, processed foods. -
Obesity and Health
• 1960s: Obesity rates were significantly lower (around 13% of adults were obese).
• Today: Obesity rates have skyrocketed to around 42% of adults, largely driven by changes in diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion:
The American diet has shifted dramatically from home-cooked, whole-food-based meals in the 1960s to a diet dominated by ultra-processed foods, added sugars, refined grains, and larger portions. This transition has had profound impacts on public health, contributing to the rise in obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses.
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Channeling RFK?
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When you shake someone's deep sense of self-worth, leaving a scar in their ego, they will persistently try to diminish you through petty arguments & obsessive captious criticism of your actions, just to soothe the wound.
- Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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When you shake someone's deep sense of self-worth, leaving a scar in their ego, they will persistently try to diminish you through petty arguments & obsessive captious criticism of your actions, just to soothe the wound.
- Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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@jon-nycChatGPT, that's a good summary.No question, in my mind, that larger portions and overall increased caloric intake are major driving forces. People have been talking about HFCS as being a problem for a long time. Is there any science that processed foods and HFCS are drivers of obesity by themselves? Or are they part of the portion and calorie stuff.
I remember reading how much sugar is in something we thought of as "healthy" - Cheerios, I believe. The amount of sugar and salt in it was amazing.
I saw a story that one fast food chain - In-And-Out? - was switching to beef tallow for their french fries.
"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08
The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.
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@jon-nyc said in GLP-1 agonists to be among 15 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations:
I don’t blame it all on FD&C Yellow #5.
BTW, one of the red dyes bit the dust this week.
RFK effect?
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@George-K said in GLP-1 agonists to be among 15 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations:
I saw a story that one fast food chain - In-And-Out? - was switching to beef tallow for their french fries.
McDonalds did that for years. Wonder if they'll switch back?
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@jon-nyc said in GLP-1 agonists to be among 15 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations:
a nanny-state plan to ban unhealthy foods and perfectly fine foods about which I’ve contrived conspiracy theories.
I'd rather see some people die young from eating unhealthy food.
The Nanny-state is bad, even when it protects us from real danger.
Of course we have to be informed, beyond that it is none of the government's business.
Now, who wants to pay for healthcare for all those fat people?
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Norm...
Link to video
