‘Eating healthy’ is now a standard tool for some doctors. New services make it easier for people to follow doctors’ orders. Food is now a quantifiable factor, while still being enjoyable, in managing chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease.
Dr. Daniel Nadeau, Orange County, CA, told NPR that people could make a big difference in reversing diabetes and hypertension. They can even prevent cancer through food choices.
Nadeau participates in a program called “Shop with Your Doc,” one of many initiatives across the country that bring doctors and patients together to tackle diet. A February survey found that 60% of Americans already make conscious dietary choices to prevent medical problems, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. A doctor’s presence will eliminate any ambiguity regarding what is healthy and what is not.
Some brands have already positioned themselves to benefit from this new mentality. Euphebe, a health company that prescribes food as its prescription, is one of the most innovative companies in the industry. ReBoot is a 28-day full-immersion program that includes plant-based prepared meals and a coaching platform based on technology. This platform provides education, motivation, and support for long-term behavioral change. The program costs $650 per month and includes 48 meals.
Euphebe has dedicated itself to the “two-hour Crappy food cycle of Eat. Crash. Hunger. “Eat More” is shaped by our sugar addiction and nutrient deprivation. Pinnavaia says that unless we stop eating sugar and switch to a more nutritious, whole-food diet, our well-being won’t improve.
Nielsen found that households with chronic conditions (such as lactose intolerant, gluten-allergic, and diabetic) spend more money on food. For example, the 16 million American households that manage diabetes spend 6% more annually on fresh produce than the average family and up to 18% additional money on fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
The public is becoming more aware of chronic diseases. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults suffer from a chronic condition. Chronic disease costs 86% of health care expenses annually. The trend of “prescripting” food as medical and lifestyle factors merge will lead to new opportunities in the future for health-driven platforms.
Check back soon for our upcoming report, The Well Economy. It explores prescription food and other trends that are shaping the future of healthcare.
