Obesity has been on the rise since the 19th century, and the recent uptick since the 1980s is just a continuation of a long-term trend. The puzzle of why Americans have been gaining weight over the past decades is not actually a mystery – it’s a result of the increasing availability of food, its tastiness, and our general affluence. The food security issues of the past have been replaced with a new focus on food insecurity, which is defined as having access to food but not being able to afford enough of it to avoid disruption to eating patterns. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
