💊 Axios PM: Stunning health trend

Plus: Italy's new borders | Friday, October 04, 2024

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Suntory Global Spirits   Axios PM By Mike Allen · Oct 04, 2024 Happy Friday! Today's newsletter, edited by Sam Baker, is 446 words, a 2-min. read. Thanks to Carlos Cunha for copy editing.     1 big thing: Stunning obesity trend   Data: CDC; Note: 2020 value based on responses collected 2017–2020; Chart: Axios Visuals The obesity rate in the U.S. has stopped climbing — a remarkable trend shift after decades of growth, Axios' Caitlin Owens reports. It may even be declining, but the change is too small to say for sure. Either way, it's good news. 💡 The big picture: In the last few years a sea change has occurred in how obesity is understood, with the focus shifting away from personal willpower toward seeing obesity as a disease. And with the emergence of drugs like Ozempic, the U.S. has tools that could eventually help bring obesity rates down. 🩺 Yes, but: Severe obesity has been rising, reaching a rate of nearly 10% of U.S. adults, according to recent CDC data. Just over 40% of adults are considered obese — still an alarmingly high rate, given the condition's health risks. 🔮 What we're watching: New anti-obesity drugs are remarkably effective, but their success in lowering the obesity rate will depend on how many people end up having access to them. Current prices are prohibitive for many insurers, businesses and government payers.     2. 🏔️ Climate change redraws borders   The Matterhorn Glacier, seen this summer from Zermatt, Switzerland. Photo: Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images   Switzerland and Italy are in the process of renegotiating their border, the BBC reports. 🇨🇭 Large parts of the border between the two countries are determined by glacier ridges. 🇮🇹 But as those glaciers melt, natural boundaries are moving. So the two nations have to figure out another way to delineate their borders. ⛷️ The redefined areas will mostly fall near the Matterhorn, Europe's tallest mountain, and the surrounding ski resorts.     A message from Suntory Global Spirits Spirits leader focuses on water conservation     Suntory Global Spirits, the parent company of brands like Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, has designed a watershed conservation approach that blends science with adaptability. The goal: The company aims to become net water positive on a global scale by 2050. Learn more.     3. Catch me up   Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Axios Visuals 💪 A blowout jobs report suggests the labor market is thriving, bucking fears of a recession. Combined with the end of the brief port strike, two of the biggest pre-election economic risks are off the table, at least for now. Go deeper. 🛬 Spirit Airlines is considering filing for bankruptcy in the wake of its failed merger with JetBlue, The Wall Street Journal reports (gift link). 🎸 Bruce Springsteen endorsed Vice President Harris for president. He has supported every Democratic nominee for the past 20 years, and has been a vocal critic of former President Trump. See Axios' celeb endorsement tracker     4. 💸 Claim your $1 billion!   Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios   Six months ago, somebody stopped into ShopRite Liquor in Neptune Township, New Jersey, bought a MegaMillions ticket, and won a jackpot worth more than $1 billion. But no one has stepped up to claim the money, USA Today reports. 📆 New Jersey gives players a year to claim their winnings. If no one has come forward by then, the money will be distributed among states that participate in MegaMillions.     A message from Suntory Global Spirits Whisky giant sustained by water     Premium spirits maker Suntory Global Spirits says whiskies like Hibiki gain their character from pristine water and grains. "We must protect and regenerate the natural resources that make our craft possible," said the company's head of environmental sustainability Kim Marotta. Learn more.   Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Advertise with us. Axios, PO Box 101060, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. To stop receiving this newsletter, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: