Staff Reports
In a world increasingly focused on health and well-being, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is stepping up to the plate, quite literally. As the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, he is championing the “Make America Wealthy Again” movement, aiming to reshape how Americans view health and nutrition. During a recent discussion, the Secretary shared thoughts on how the landscape of American health has transformed over the decades and what steps could be taken to turn the tide toward better health for all.
Kennedy pointed out that the decline in American health has roots that go back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. This was a time when the tobacco industry expanded its influence, not just in cigarettes but also in food production. The likes of R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris didn’t just stop at tobacco; they ventured into making food more addictive. By introducing high levels of sodium and sugar and relying heavily on untested chemical additives, the food industry began substituting real nutrition with highly processed ingredients. Compared to Europe, the United States has over 10,000 food additives, whereas many European countries have only 400, raising concerns about the safety and nutritional value of American foods.
One shocking revelation was the simultaneous rise of obesity and malnutrition within the American population. Kennedy noted that it’s a peculiar situation when the most obese individuals are often malnourished—something never seen before in human history. With the U.S. now sitting as the fourth most obese country in the world, this alarming trend demonstrates the failure of food systems designed to nourish and sustain, highlighting a critical need for reform.
The conversation also ventured into the world of obesity medications like Ozempic, which, while highly effective, come with a staggering price tag of around $1,300 a month in the U.S.—a far cry from just $88 in the United Kingdom. Kennedy suggested that if such medications were accessible through Medicaid and Medicare, it could significantly alleviate health-related expenses resulting from obesity and associated diseases. However, the current costs pose a barrier, limiting access for many who could benefit from these treatments.
On the subject of dietary habits, Kennedy shared his own, preferring whole foods over processed options. His diet is rich in protein and consists of items that come directly from nature rather than from packages. This is a philosophy he wishes to encourage among Americans: to embrace whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients. He believes that by simplifying dietary guidelines—which were previously an overwhelming 453 pages—people can more easily understand what constitutes good nutrition. If the guidelines can be boiled down to something practical and straightforward, such as eating fresh foods, it could revolutionize school lunch programs and help improve the diet of future generations.
As Kennedy continues to tackle these pressing issues, he emphasizes a sense of urgency and hope. Through changes in food regulation and dietary education, the goal is clear: to create a healthier, more informed American populace. With his leadership at the helm, the nation might just be on the brink of a health renaissance, where nutritious diets fuel empowerment, leading to a wealth of benefits—financially and physically—for everyone.
