Bad diets, too many meds, no exercise: A look inside the latest 'Make America Healthy Again' report
newsday.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 8:57:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns
WASHINGTON -- A report that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised will improve the health of America's children does not call on the government to make significant changes to its food or farming policies, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press.
The "Make America Healthy Again" strategy report is supposed to be one of Kennedy's signature achievements as the nation's health secretary, giving the government a roadmap to help its citizens lose weight, reduce chronic diseases and exercise more. Before coming to Washington, Kennedy had spent much of his career decrying the harms of chemicals sprayed on crops, prescription drugs, ultraprocessed foods, and vaccines.
His coalition, then, has expected him to take bold action as the nation's top health leader. But a draft of the so-called "MAHA" report, first reported by The New York Times Thursday night, mostly calls on the government to further study chronic diseases, bad air quality, Americans' diets and prescription drug use.
The report lays out four problem areas - poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and overuse of medications -- that are to blame for chronic diseases in the U.S.
The White House has held off on publicly releasing the report, which was submitted to President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The latest report is the policy companion to a "MAHA" report released in May, which was found to have several errors in it.
White House spokesman Kush Desai refused to confirm whether the copy obtained by the Associated Press was a final version, though HHS officials have insisted the report has been finalized since Tuesday.
"President Trump pledged to Make America Healthy Again, and the Administration is committed to delivering on that pledge with Gold Standard Science," Desai said. "Until officially released by the White House and MAHA Commission, however, any documents purporting to be the second MAHA Report should be considered as nothing more than speculative literature."
Some in the agricultural industry had warily anticipated the report, fearing it would call for bans or investigations into the use of pesticides and herbicides that farmers in the U.S. regularly spray on crops to control weeds and enhance yields. Other farmers were concerned about how the report may target the use of corn syrup, a common sweetener, in American foods. Both products have been a central talking point in Kennedy's "MAHA" movement, which has attracted a diverse coalition of suburban and rural moms, Trump supporters and liberals concerned about the nation's food supply.
Instead, the report calls for an "awareness" campaign to raise confidence in pesticides.
Concerns from the agricultural industry waned as the report hit the president's desk, with one of Kennedy's closest advisers, Calley Means, calling for MAHA supporters to work with major farm companies on Tuesday.
Means also acknowledged that the "pace of political change" can be frustrating.
"We need to build bridges," Means said, adding that: "We are not going to win if the soybean farmers and the corn growers are our enemy."
Means did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. A spokesman for Kennedy also declined to comment.
The report urges the National Institutes of Health - which is facing a 40% cut to its budget under the Trump administration - to undertake several studies on Americans' health, including research on vaccine injury, autism, air quality, water quality, prescription drugs, and nutrition.
The report also calls for changes to the foods served in schools and hospitals, something that will be hard to deliver with the Trump administration's funding cuts, said Kari Hamerschlag, the deputy director of the food and agriculture at the nonprofit Friends of the Earth. Earlier this year, the Republican-led administration wiped out $1 billion set aside that helped food banks and schools procure food directly from local farmers.
"This is not going to transform our food and farming system," Hamerschlag said. "This is not going to make people healthier. They need to put resources behind their recommendations."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent draft of the "Make America Healthy Again" report, as highlighted in a recent article, raises critical questions about the government's commitment to addressing the health crisis plaguing millions of Americans, particularly children. While Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has positioned this report as a flagship initiative aimed at improving public health, it falls short of advocating for the transformative changes needed in our food and farming policies. This hesitance to confront the agricultural industry's entrenched practices reflects a broader, systemic failure to prioritize the health of citizens over corporate interests, a reality that has deep historical roots in American politics.
Historically, the intersection of health and agriculture in the U.S. has been fraught with challenges, as the government has often sided with agribusiness at the expense of public health. The agricultural policies established in the mid-20th century promoted the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, ostensibly to enhance food production and combat hunger. However, these practices have led to increased chronic diseases, environmental degradation, and a food system that prioritizes profit over nutrition. In this context, the MAHA report’s failure to call for stringent regulations on harmful chemicals and ultraprocessed foods is emblematic of a long-standing trend in which economic interests continually undermine the health and safety of Americans.
Moreover, the report’s proposed solutions to chronic diseases—merely "studying" problems such as poor diet, chemical exposure, and overmedication—echo a superficial understanding of the crisis. The systemic nature of these issues demands a comprehensive approach that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. For instance, the over-reliance on medications often stems from inadequate access to fresh, nutritious food, which is a direct result of structural inequalities in our food system. This oversight in the MAHA report highlights a disconnect between the lived realities of many Americans and the policies that are purportedly designed to benefit them.
The emphasis on "awareness" campaigns about pesticides rather than actionable policy changes suggests a troubling trend toward complacency. It risks perpetuating the status quo, where harmful agricultural practices are maintained under the guise of providing information to the public. This approach not only undermines the health of communities but also fails to empower individuals with the tools needed to make informed decisions about their well-being. When government action is limited to awareness rather than accountability, it neglects the critical role of policy in shaping a healthier food environment.
As advocates for social justice and health equity, it is imperative to hold policymakers accountable for their commitments to public health. The MAHA report serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities, who disproportionately bear the brunt of unhealthy food environments and chronic diseases. By connecting the dots between agricultural policies, public health, and social equity, we can challenge the prevailing narrative that prioritizes economic interests over the health of our children and communities. Engaging in these discussions with a fact-based perspective can help illuminate the urgent need for systemic change, pushing back against a complacent administration that may be more interested in appeasing industry stakeholders than genuinely improving the health of the nation.
The recent draft of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) report, led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises significant concerns about the prioritization of public health in the United States. Despite the ambitious title of this initiative, the report seems to largely sidestep necessary systemic changes that could address the root causes of chronic health issues in America. Instead of tackling the agricultural practices that contribute to unhealthy diets, such as the reliance on ultraprocessed foods and harmful pesticide use, the report seems to suggest a more passive approach, focusing on awareness rather than action. This reflects a broader trend in U.S. policy where corporate interests often eclipse public health needs, a situation that warrants serious scrutiny and action by concerned citizens.
Historically, the American food system has been shaped by powerful agribusiness interests that prioritize short-term profits over long-term health outcomes. The prevalence of cheap, unhealthy foods—often laden with corn syrup, artificial additives, and chemicals—has skyrocketed, while access to fresh, nutritious options remains limited for many, particularly in low-income communities. This report, which appears to lack a commitment to reforming food and farming policies, underscores the challenges posed by entrenched interests in the agricultural sector that might resist meaningful change. It reflects a reluctance to disrupt the status quo, even in the face of mounting evidence linking poor dietary habits to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
So, what can we, as engaged Americans, do about this troubling situation? First and foremost, it is crucial to advocate for policy changes that prioritize public health over agribusiness profit margins. This includes calling for stricter regulations on pesticide use and promoting sustainable farming practices that protect both the environment and public health. Grassroots movements can play an essential role in this effort by organizing campaigns that raise awareness about the negative impacts of certain agricultural practices and pushing for legislative reforms that support local, organic farming initiatives. Engaging with local representatives and demanding accountability from our elected officials is vital in fostering a political climate that values health over corporate interests.
Moreover, it is essential to foster a culture of health within our communities. This means prioritizing education about nutrition, encouraging physical activity, and advocating for access to healthy food options for all. Schools, in particular, should be at the forefront of this movement, integrating comprehensive health and nutrition education into their curricula while ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we can create a more informed electorate that is equipped to challenge misleading narratives about diet and health that often surface in political discourse.
Finally, it is imperative to hold our government accountable for its commitments to public health. The MAHA report's failure to address critical issues head-on should not be overlooked; instead, it should serve as a rallying point for advocates of health equity. By demanding transparency in the decision-making processes and pressuring government officials to prioritize the well-being of citizens over the interests of powerful lobbyists, we can work towards a healthier future for all Americans. Engaging in dialogue with those who may hold opposing views—even within the right-wing sphere—can lead to productive conversations about the importance of a holistic approach to health that considers both individual choices and systemic influences.
In conclusion, while the "Make America Healthy Again" report fails to deliver on its promise of substantive change, it provides an opportunity for advocates of public health to mobilize and push for necessary reforms. By understanding the historical context of our food systems, advocating for policy change, fostering community health initiatives, and holding our government accountable, we can work towards a healthier nation. In doing so, we not only challenge the complacency of current leadership but also empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being, ultimately creating a more just and equitable society.
In response to the insights presented in the "Make America Healthy Again" report, there are several actionable steps that individuals can take to advocate for a healthier future for themselves and their communities. Here’s a detailed list of ideas, actions, and resources to consider:
### Personal Actions to Promote Healthier Policies
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - **Read and share information** about the health effects of ultraprocessed foods, chemical exposure, and the importance of physical activity. Utilize resources from reputable health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). - **Host community workshops** or discussions to inform others about the impacts of diet and lifestyle choices on health.
2. **Support Local Food Initiatives:** - **Join or support community-supported agriculture (CSA)** programs, which promote local farmers and provide fresh produce. - **Advocate for local farmers' markets** to make fresh, organic produce more accessible in your community. - **Volunteer** with organizations that promote healthy eating or food education, such as local food banks or nutrition education programs.
3. **Engage with Policy Makers:** - **Write to your elected representatives** expressing concerns about the lack of substantial policy changes in the MAHA report. - **Who to write to:** - Your local Congressman/Congresswoman - U.S. Senators from your state - **Find their contact information** at [congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov).
**Example Email Template:** ``` Subject: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Health Policy Reform
Dear [Representative/Senator's Name],
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent "Make America Healthy Again" report, which fails to address significant changes in food and farming policies. As a [your role/community member], I believe it is crucial that our government takes bold action to improve public health, particularly regarding the prevention of chronic diseases through diet and exercise.
I urge you to advocate for policies that prioritize access to healthy foods, reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, and promote physical activity within our communities. Together, we can create a healthier future for all Americans.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] ```
4. **Petition for Change:** - **Start or sign a petition** that calls for comprehensive food policy reform, addressing the use of pesticides, ultraprocessed foods, and support for local farming. Use platforms like [Change.org](https://www.change.org) or [Care2 Petitions](https://www.thepetitionsite.com). - **Example Petition Topic:** "Demand Comprehensive Food Policy Reform for a Healthier Future."
5. **Promote Physical Activity:** - **Organize community fitness events,** such as group walks, runs, or yoga classes in local parks to encourage physical activity. - **Advocate for better public spaces** and infrastructure that promote active lifestyles, such as bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Write to local government officials to express your support for these initiatives.
6. **Engage in Dialogue with Local Schools:** - **Contact school boards** to advocate for healthier meal options in school cafeterias and nutrition education in the curriculum. - **Encourage schools** to partner with local farms to provide fresh produce for students.
7. **Utilize Social Media:** - **Share articles, studies, and personal stories** related to health and nutrition on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to raise awareness and inspire others to take action. - **Create a community group** focused on discussing and promoting healthy living practices.
8. **Support Health Advocacy Organizations:** - **Donate or volunteer** with organizations that work on health policy reform, such as the American Public Health Association or the Center for Science in the Public Interest. - **Participate in their campaigns** and initiatives to amplify their message and reach wider audiences.
By taking these steps, individuals can create a ripple effect in their communities, advocating for a healthier future and prompting policymakers to prioritize meaningful changes that address the systemic issues highlighted in the MAHA report. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to building a collective push for a healthier society.