If two-thirds of UK adults are overweight/obese, and it seems like this level is increasing over time, I wonder if weightloss drugs (like ozempic) will become a more available, and cheaper, solution? Both for helping people lose, and then maintain, weight. They seem very effective in helping people lose weight, with low levels helping weight loss maintenance. Even people of "normal" BMI are using it to lose a few pounds. However, it feels like a significant side effect of these drugs is lost interest in food and alcohol.
Over the next 10-20 years could there be a knock on effect of: loss of the eating and drinking culture in the UK? For example, less people going out for a pub roast and a pint. Going out for a special birthday meal or cocktails. Going for brunch with a friend. Because many people are on drugs like ozempic and are less interested in food.
It feels like - due the the levels - obesity is a societal issue: in general, we're getting fatter, which is bad for health. So do you imagine there could be a solution that has societal-level impacts (many, many people choosing to take weightloss drugs), which in turn impacts nationally, like less demand for food/drink establishments? It might impact the amount and kind of food/drink that is sold in shops too due to less demand for food.
Just a thought experiment really, not saying it's good or bad. But I'm wondering if it might shift the kinds of businesses we see in towns and High streets in the future: many shops in towns are cafes, restaurants, bakeries etc. centred on food and eating. Then there are pubs and bars, which also might have significantly less demand.
From what I've read, when on ozempic interest in food isn't "normal" (e.g. I enjoy eating and drinking, but just eat less) it seems to cut out interest in food almost entirely. This feels like it might be a key difference - Compared to, for example, unaided dieting. It also looks like "more effective" drugs are already being developed, seemingly from the same 'technology'.