Admiral Releases Survey on Over-Fed Pets

There are now over one billion people in the world living with obesity. This is primarily caused by an imbalance between food consumption and exercise, with genetics, health conditions, psychological wellbeing and socioeconomic factors also playing significant roles.

Obesity is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer. Yet despite the well-advertised devastating complications of weight-gain, it is a growing problem across the world, with governments working together to tackle the prevalence of junk food, from a ban on televised advertising to higher taxes.

But such regulations have no impact on animals. A new survey from Admiral Pet Insurance has shown that obesity among cats and dogs is on the rise. Veterinary practices surveyed said that 32% had seen an increase in overweight pets over the past year. 

As Admiral calls for owners to control pet food portions, Mars encourages regenerative agriculture practices for pet food farming

Pet owners responded to the Admiral survey, with results showing that 36% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners did not know how much their pet weighed.

Some owners were also unaware that some human foods, such as chocolate, onions and grapes, can be dangerous to animals. 

While there are no survey results on what pets really think, pet food manufacturer Mars is ensuring the best quality for canine customers. Mars has shared its plan to provide financial incentives to farmers, as they implement regenerative agriculture practices across North America. These partnerships aim to encourage regenerative agriculture practices, supporting scope 3 carbon reductions. Multiyear partnerships have begun with partners and suppliers, led by Royal Canin USA and Mars Petcare US, Inc. 

“Royal Canin is committed to offering pet owners sustainable choices when feeding their pets, and that starts, in part, with how their food is grown,” said Racquel White, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin. “We are committed to working with suppliers and partners to help farmers implement agriculture practices to help reduce our carbon footprint and support the resilience of the people throughout our supply chains.”

“These partnerships reflect our dedication to reducing our environmental impact, supporting farmer livelihoods and helping to ensure a resilient supply chain for the long term,” said Jon Peattie, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Mars Petcare US, Inc.

Eli Lilly to support those with obesity and its complications

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly has shared its plans to invest US$364m in the UK to tackle obesity - that is, in humans. 

Eli Lilly’s announcement was shared at the UK government's International Investment Summit. The company will also create a UK biotech hub, Lilly Gateway Labs (LGL), which will support early-stage life sciences businesses as they research new healthcare solutions. Over three years, the LGL plan will receive funding, offering start-ups with Lilly's expertise, access to laboratories and even financial investments. 

Lilly has also announced its plans to begin a five-year study of real-world evidence looking at tirzepatide, the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist in the company's Mounjaro drug for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The SURMOUNT-REAL UK study will be led with Health Innovation Manchester, subject to relevant approvals and will explore the real-world effectiveness of tirzepatide in weight loss, diabetes prevention and the prevention of obesity-related complications for adults with obesity.

UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has said that weight-loss jabs could be used to help people who are living with obesity.

"I think that some of these drugs can be game changing in terms of tackling obesity,” he said. "For those people that are so obese, that diet, exercise doesn't feel like it's having much of an impact, It feels like you're on a losing battle. I think the drugs can make a really big impact in terms of getting weight under control.

However, he was firm that drugs must be used in balance with a balanced diet, nutrition and exercise.

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