Unhealthy food in NFL commercials; pharma group condemns GLP-1 Super Bowl ad; NFL wives, AHA promote water safety ahead of the big game – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

Foods advertised during NFL games are high in sodium, fat, and calories, potentially increasing chronic disease risk.
The Partnership for Safe Medicines criticized a Super Bowl ad for promoting non-FDA-approved compounded semaglutide.
The American Heart Association and NFL Wives Association hosted a water safety event, teaching children essential skills.
The water safety initiative plans to expand across all 32 NFL markets, with instructors available at the Super Bowl Experience.

The top news stories in medicine today.

High sodium, fat in foods advertised during NFL games

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that foods advertised during televised National Football League (NFL) games are often high in sodium, fat and calories, potentially posing health risks for viewers with chronic conditions. Researchers analyzed 102 food-related commercials played during 10 games in the 2023 NFL season, finding that fast food restaurant meals contained the highest levels of sodium and calories. The study suggests that frequent exposure to these ads, combined with sedentary viewing habits — like sitting around all day on Sunday — may contribute to poor dietary choices and increased risk of chronic disease.

Pharma group, PSM, condemns GLP-1 Super Bowl commercial

The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) has written to the Fox Corporation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to express their disapproval of telehealth company Hims & Hers’ Super Bowl ad promoting compounded versions of semaglutide — the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug, Wegovy.

PSM called the ad campaign “nothing short of reckless,” claiming that it misleads viewers by downplaying the fact that the product is not FDA-approved and omitting required safety disclosures. The group has urged the FDA to take action, arguing that compounded drugs pose potential health risks. Hims & Hers defended the ad, saying it aims to address obesity and make weight-loss treatments more accessible. Pharmaphorum has more.

NFL wives, AHA promote water safety in New Orleans

Ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl LIX, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Off the Field NFL Wives Association hosted a safe swim event in New Orleans, teaching nearly 200 children essential water safety and CPR skills. Four-time Olympic medalist swimmer, Cullen Jones, joined the effort alongside the USA Swimming Foundation and the YMCA. Organizers plan to expand the safe swim initiative across all 32 NFL markets. AHA instructors are also available at the Super Bowl Experience for walk-up instructions through this Saturday.