Food companies have historically employed scientists to create junk foods that are not just delicious, but highly addictive. After all, the right combination of salt, sugar, and fat keeps consumers coming back for more. Even foods like chips are scientifically optimized to deliver the perfect amount of psychologically satisfying crunch. However, the advent of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have caused many people to have diminished appetites and fewer cravings. In response, the food industry is devising new ways to create ultra-processed foods that are still addictive, even for those on these drugs.
One survey found that users of GLP-1 medications consume about 40-60% fewer snacks and nearly 80% more fruits and vegetables. This is a desirable outcome for those looking to eat healthier. However, for the food companies, this equates to billions of lost revenue. This is only a problem in a system where profit is more important than people’s health.
In response, the food industry has been using AI-driven systems to optimize flavors, textures, and ingredient combinations to create foods that override feelings of fullness or satisfaction. This on top of AI-driven marketing strategies that promote junk food consumption and make it nearly impossible to avoid, no matter how much resolve one has. Junk foods are also heavily subsidized by the federal government, making them cheaper and more accessible than more healthful foods, but that’s a topic for another article.
Ultimately, our food system isn’t run by nutritionists, farmers, and chefs, but by the profit-driven priorities of large food corporations and tech giants. This makes it incredibly hard to prioritize health when choosing which foods to eat. The food industry is literally hijacking our brain’s response to foods – there’s no lengths they won’t go to for profit, even if it means sacrificing our health.
