NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University (GCU) students are organizing the inaugural POWER Conference titled "The Weight of Evidence: From Fad to Fact in Fitness and Nutrition." The event, co-organized by Ashlynn Caudill, an exercise science major, and Natalie Smith, a nutritional sciences major, aims to scrutinize popular topics in health and nutrition including GLP-1 receptor agonists, supplements, and organic foods.

The use of GLP-1s for weight loss has surged with a 700% increase in prescriptions for medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic between 2019 and 2023, according to a study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Caudill believes that many people lack understanding about GLP-1's mechanisms and sees this as a valuable topic for the conference.

Smith expressed a desire to challenge social media-driven "fads" in nutrition and exercise, emphasizing an evidence-based approach. The conference will also address the misconceptions about organic foods and their perceived health benefits.

Dr. Zach Zeigler, GCU exercise science professor, initiated the idea for the conference to provide students with organizing experience. “I did that (organize a conference) as a graduate student, and I learned a lot,” Zeigler said.

The conference will feature several speakers. Dr. Zach Zeigler, focusing on obesity management and the physiological effects of exercise, will deliver a talk titled "From Ozempic to Wegovy." Arizona State University doctoral student Kinta Schott will discuss "Supplements, Social Media and Safe Choices." Nicole Clements, executive director of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau, will cover "Demystifying Organics." Dr. Jacob Havenar will explore the health impacts of social media in his presentation "Scrolling Ourselves Sick."

The conference is free and open to the public, with snacks provided by sponsors, the Dairy Council and Beef Council of Arizona. Smith encourages attendance, saying, “I think everyone should come because it will be interesting.”

The event is set to take place on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GCU's Joshua 103.