Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Minister, released the "Making America Healthy Again (MAHA)" report on the 22nd.
This report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addresses children's health after 15 years since the launch of the childhood obesity campaign "Let's Move" during the Obama administration.
Minister Kennedy pointed out that current American children are "the most unwell generation in history" in the report.
According to the MAHA report, over 40% of American children are found to be suffering from at least one chronic illness.
The report indicates that U.S. children's health has deteriorated significantly compared to before. The childhood obesity rate exceeds 20% for those over 6 years old, an increase of 270% compared to the 1970s. The prevalence of prediabetes among teenagers also recorded over 25%, meaning that one in four is at risk of developing diabetes.
The incidence of childhood cancer has increased by 40% since 1975. Mental diseases like autism spectrum disorders have also risen to one in 31 among 8-year-olds.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identified diet as a cause of these chronic illnesses, particularly noting ultra-processed foods as problematic.
Ultra-processed foods refer to items such as snacks, cup noodles, carbonated drinks, and frozen pizzas, which have a particularly high degree of processing. These products are characterized by containing large amounts of additives such as flavorings, colorings, and emulsifiers. They undergo processes like extrusion, modification, and frying, and to enhance flavor, they contain a large number of colorings, artificial additives, sweeteners, and preservatives. Another feature is that the original form of materials and supplies is almost entirely absent.
American children derive about two-thirds of their total calories from ultra-processed foods. In Romania, this ratio is about 10%. Even in the U.K., which has similar dietary habits to the U.S., the proportion does not exceed 50%.
According to research by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, children in the top third group with high intake of ultra-processed foods have a 1.75 times higher risk of fatty liver and a 2.44 times higher risk of insulin resistance than those in the bottom third group.
The report analyzed that "the increase in chronic illnesses among children is due to poor diets focused on ultra-processed foods that expose them to food additives and pesticides, along with rising stress, insufficient physical activity, and a trend of overmedicalization that includes excessive prescriptions."
Experts analyzed that the results are compounded by sleep deprivation caused by digital device addiction and a current health system focused on treatment rather than prevention.
The report further warns that "chronic diseases among children pose a threat to national health, economy, and security foundations."
Until now, reports released by the U.S. government have mainly set nutritional standards for what foods children should eat. This report goes beyond simply setting dietary guidelines, calling for a fundamental change in food quality and the elimination of harmful environments.
CBS reported that "food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industry lobbyists fiercely lobbied to remove aggressive wording ahead of the report's release," noting that it includes specific proposals like requesting new clinical trial funding for ultra-processed foods and potentially harmful food ingredients.
The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to announce policy recommendations based on the report's contents within 100 days.
The recommendations are expected to include a review of school meal standards, regulations on ultra-processed foods, and regulations on advertising targeted at children.
The U.S. is the world's largest food market. Experts believe that if the U.S. market begins to change following the MAHA report, there is a high likelihood that it will also impact the global food market.
The products recommended in the report for low sugar, low salt, and additives-free consumption are expected to see a surge in demand. Industry insiders expect global food corporations will need to revamp their products or adjust their marketing strategies.
ABC cited experts as predicting that "the competition for clean label products emphasizing additive-free or environmentally friendly elements, especially in children's foods, is likely to intensify."
ABC added, "The pace of transition to organic and natural foods is accelerating, while the prevailing analysis suggests that regulations on high-fructose corn syrup and synthetic dyes will cause food companies' sales to decline by 5-10%."