The world has to cut carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2030 to avoid the worst effects of climate change, says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. And by 2050, we need to hit “net zero”—that is, emissions must be matched by removals from the atmosphere.
Roughly two-thirdsof the 150 top-selling prescription drugs sold in 2020 had low “added clinical benefit” compared to existing drugs. (Those ratings come from France or Canada. The U.S. doesn’t rate drug benefits.)
You’ve gotta hand it to ad execs. They can turn a sugary snack into a source of “wholesome” energy or “real fruit.” Or reinvent processed meat as “healthy protein.” Or spin salt-laden refined grains as “real meals.” Here’s how not to fall for what they’re pushing.
It never fails. You turn on the TV, start a new podcast, open a web browser, or walk through the supermarket, and you’re bombarded with ads pushing quick fixes to help keep you going in a demanding world: an immune boost here, a hangover cure there, a supplement for your hair or skin, or a little something to help you relax at night. What’s the evidence that these drink mixes, gummies, probiotics, and powders deliver on their promises? We took a look.
It’s no surprise that in this confusing environment, with millions of patients desperate for help, some companies have taken advantage of how loosely dietary supplement claims are regulated to sell unproven long COVID treatments.
CSPI supports the Predatory Marketing Prevention Act (PMPA), an important public health measure, and we support
its goal of helping New York curb misleading food industry marketing.
When adults watched TV ads depicting a group of people eating, they responded more favorably and gave the advertised foods higher ratings than when the ads showed one person eating alone. (The researchers played the ads in random order.)
Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt, say health experts. So food companies create processed foods that seem to fit the bill. In the supermarket, every day is April 1st.
Health sells. So ad agencies tap into—or amp up—the latest fads and fears about food. Want more energy, protein, or hydration? Avoiding carbs, gluten, or lactose? Should you avoid them? You can’t dodge the hype. But you can not fall for it. Here’s the latest crop.
Food LabelingLindsay Moyer, MS, RDN, Bonnie Liebman, MS
