The Scan by 2 Minute Medicine®: Beta blockers trend, The Rock’s leaner look, UK targets teen caffeine, and kids’ diets under pressure

Beta blockers ride a pop culture wave into everyday anxiety
The Wall Street Journal reported that propranolol prescriptions have increased by nearly 30 percent since 2020, with the drug now widely discussed on social media as a quick fix for situational anxiety at weddings, job interviews, and other stressful events. Originally licensed for hypertension and arrhythmias, propranolol reduces adrenergic symptoms such as tremor and palpitations, yet a systematic review in the Journal of Affective Disorders emphasized its limited effectiveness in broader anxiety disorders. Regulators in the United Kingdom have issued safety alerts after fatal overdose cases were reported, underscoring risks in young adults and in patients with asthma or diabetes. Current NICE guidance does not support beta blockers as a first line for anxiety, pointing to a clear divide between cultural enthusiasm and clinical standards. Some clinical audits have found propranolol prescribed in up to 15 percent of new anxiety presentations in primary care, yet less than 5 percent of those cases had documented counseling on alternatives. The wider conversation shows how quickly cultural narratives can reshape prescribing trends, often faster than research can keep up. The next story looks at a very different kind of transformation, one that has dominated entertainment news this week.

Dwayne Johnson’s leaner frame turns Venice buzz into a health story
At the Venice Film Festival on September 1, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed a noticeably leaner physique while his film The Smashing Machine drew a 15 minute standing ovation. Johnson described paring down from a diet that once peaked at 6,000 to 8,000 calories per day, shifting toward a leaner and more functional approach for the role, as detailed in Reuters coverage. His co star Emily Blunt called the preparation life changing, highlighting how the physical changes became a narrative as powerful as the film ictself. The actor has also spoken about ongoing digestive challenges, a reminder that public images often obscure more complex health realities. Observers at Venice noted that Johnson’s transformation sparked conversation not only about athletic conditioning but also about how Hollywood standards influence public expectations of health. For context, drastic role preparations in Hollywood have sometimes led to calorie intakes below 1,500 per day, levels that can trigger metabolic slowdown and micronutrient deficiencies if unsupervised. For clinicians, the moment is an opportunity to redirect patient curiosity toward safe caloric adjustment, adequate protein, structured rest, and injury aware training, rather than extreme celebrity mimicry. From individual transformation, we move to public health policy and adolescent nutrition.

England proposes caffeine curbs with under 16 energy drink ban
On September 2, the UK Department of Health and Social Care launched a 12 week consultation on a ban of energy drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter for children under 16. Officials estimate that about 100,000 children consume at least one energy drink daily, and models suggest the measure could prevent up to 40,000 cases of childhood obesity as reported by The Independent. Coverage in The Guardian noted that excessive consumption has been linked to poor sleep, anxiety, and classroom disruption, concerns that align with what pediatricians often encounter in practice. The proposed law would apply across shops, cafés, online sales, and vending machines, enforced by trading standards under the Food Safety Act 1990. Public health advocates have welcomed the move as a long overdue measure, while industry groups warn of potential sales losses and personal choice restrictions. For clinicians, this moment is a reminder to screen adolescents for caffeine intake, ask about palpitations or headaches, and provide practical beverage alternatives. With drinks addressed, the next section turns to the larger food environment shaping children’s health.

Kids’ diets remain dominated by ultra processed foods, amplifying diet culture risks
A CDC data brief released in August 2025 reported that American children and adolescents obtain 61.9 percent of their daily calories from ultra processed foods, compared with 53 percent among adults. The main contributors were sweet snacks, sugary drinks, packaged meals, and fast food style sandwiches. Nutrition experts caution that fear based or guilt laden messaging about food quality can backfire, leading to disordered eating and shame rather than improvement. A Guardian commentary warned that restrictive feeding practices, especially when driven by parental anxiety, can harm children’s autonomy and relationship with food. Large cohort studies suggest that children consuming diets highest in ultra processed foods have a 20 to 25 percent higher risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome compared with peers who consume more minimally processed foods. For pediatricians, the clinical task is to use neutral language, focus on accessible swaps that support variety, and screen for restrictive behaviors. Policy interventions such as the proposed UK energy drink ban suggest that systemic solutions can reduce harm more effectively than individual advice alone. Framing conversations in a supportive way and linking families to community resources or school nutrition programs can make a tangible difference in daily practice.

Image: PD