In the ever-evolving world of health and nutrition, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, is stepping into the spotlight with a bold initiative called “Make America Wealthy Again.” While the title’s catchy and might provoke a few chuckles, its intention is serious: to improve the overall health of Americans. In a recent interview, Kennedy outlined a compelling argument about when and where America started sliding down the slippery slope of health decline—hint: the late ’80s and early ’90s were not our best years.
Kennedy pointed to a significant shift in the food industry around that time. It turns out that two of the largest food companies in the world, R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, who were well-known for their tobacco products, began to dominate the food sector. With their expertise in making tobacco more addictive, they set their sights on food. Suddenly, our diets were bombarded with ingredients designed to keep people coming back for more, even if it meant sacrificing nutritional value for artificially enhanced taste. Instead of eating wholesome foods, Americans found themselves eating ultra-processed foods with lab-created ingredients that made them less healthy.
This downward spiral has left the United States grappling with an alarming health crisis. Currently, the nation ranks as the fourth most obese country in the world, a fact that sounds uncomfortable even to say out loud. Even worse, many individuals who struggle with obesity also suffer from malnutrition—an unusual phenomenon in human history. It’s like being full but starving for real nutrients at the same time, leaving one wondering if there needs to be an urgent intervention.
As if the problem couldn’t get more complicated, the discussion around new obesity medications like Ozempic came up. While these “miracle drugs” hold promise for weight loss and potential reductions in obesity-related health issues, their cost is a major roadblock. In the U.S., the price for one of these medications can reach an astonishing $1,300 a month, while in other countries like England, it costs a mere $88. It raises eyebrows and plenty of questions about why American healthcare continues to fall behind the curve. Kennedy emphasized the need for better accessibility, especially for those whose health—and wallets—are on the line.
Amid these lofty ambitions, Kennedy shared glimpses of hope and the actions being taken under his leadership. He revealed that the FDA is finally getting with the program. There’s chatter about banning harmful petroleum-based synthetic food dyes and revisiting food safety laws that have long been swayed by industry interests. So, while the past few decades may have been marked by questionable health choices, Americans are hopeful that this new direction might lead to a brighter and healthier future—where the focus returns to eating less processed, more whole foods.
With a passionate team backing him, Kennedy is adamant about making real changes, like reforming dietary guidelines that currently don’t make sense. He envisions guidelines so straightforward that even a 5th grader could follow them, promoting a diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables. With a new approach on the horizon, there’s a feeling of excitement in the air for healthier days ahead as America takes its first steps toward reclaiming its health and well-being.
