ProDentim Reviews and Complaints (May 2025): Users Share Results and Address Common Concerns
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProDentim has quickly become a popular probiotic supplement in the oral health world, but with so many health trends, it's natural to wonder if it's effective. Over 30,000 users have shared positive experiences, claiming relief from issues like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and weak enamel. However, despite glowing reviews, some are still skeptical.Are the reviews authentic, or just clever marketing? While many users report impressive results, there are also mixed opinions. So, does ProDentim live up to the hype, or is it just another health trend? Let's break it down and see if it delivers on its promises.
[Don't just take our word for it—read real reviews and see how ProDentim can transform your dental health!]
What is ProDentim and Why is It Gaining So Much Attention?
ProDentim is an innovative oral health supplement that uses probiotics and natural ingredients to support your dental health. Unlike traditional products that often rely on harsh chemicals, ProDentim takes a gentler approach by focusing on the balance of bacteria in your mouth. It works by reintroducing good bacteria to help address the root causes of common oral issues.
The supplement features 3.5 billion probiotics, including strains like Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04, which help reduce inflammation, fight bad bacteria, and strengthen your tooth enamel. Plus, it includes natural ingredients like peppermint, malic acid, and inulin, which help freshen breath, support enamel, and nourish the good bacteria in your mouth.
What makes ProDentim even more convenient is its chewable tablet format. No need for complicated dental routines—just take a simple tablet that dissolves quickly, letting the probiotics start working right where you need them. As more people learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, ProDentim's popularity continues to rise. It's quickly becoming the go-to solution for those seeking lasting improvements in their oral health, offering something more than just a temporary fixe
ProDentim Reviews – What Are Real Customers Saying?
ProDentim's rapid popularity is fueled by thousands of success stories from users who have seen significant improvements in their oral health. Initially met with skepticism, the increasing number of positive testimonials has proven that ProDentim is more than just a passing trend. Users who struggled with gum sensitivity, cavities, and bad breath have shared their transformative experiences, driving the growing demand for the product.
Here are a few stories from users who've seen remarkable results with ProDentim:
Rachel, CA: Rachel had spent years dealing with painful gum inflammation and bleeding, despite following a strict oral care routine. After using ProDentim, she noticed a significant improvement in just a few weeks. Her gums were no longer swollen or bleeding, and her dentist was amazed by the fast results. Rachel says, "ProDentim wasn't just hype—it really changed my life."
Austin, TX: Michael struggled with plaque buildup and bad breath that left him feeling embarrassed at social gatherings. Frustrated with other treatments that never worked, he decided to try ProDentim. Within a month, his plaque was significantly reduced, his breath was fresher, and his self-confidence was restored. "ProDentim gave me my social life back," Michael shares.
Tom Reed, CO: Tom had been suffering from chronic tooth sensitivity for years, making it difficult to enjoy his favorite foods. After using ProDentim for two months, the sensitivity was completely gone. He describes ProDentim as "a miracle" that transformed his daily life.
Jessica, FL: Jessica's confidence was severely affected by persistent bad breath, which she struggled with for years. After hearing positive feedback from friends, she decided to give ProDentim a try. The results were remarkable—her breath was fresher, and her self-esteem improved in both professional and social situations.
These personal success stories highlight just how effective ProDentim has been for many people struggling with long-standing dental issues. With each glowing testimonial, the growing demand for ProDentim becomes even more evident. People are no longer just looking for temporary fixes—they're seeking real, lasting solutions for their oral health.
ProDentim Complaints: What You Need to Know
As ProDentim's popularity grows, some complaints have emerged, often due to misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations, or competitor sabotage. Fake or imitation products sold on unauthorized sites contribute to negative experiences, so it's crucial to purchase ProDentim only from the official website to ensure authenticity and safety.
Some complaints stem from users expecting immediate results, but oral health improvements take time—consistent use over weeks to months is necessary for the best benefits. Unrealistic timelines often lead to disappointment, not product flaws.
ProDentim is not a scam; it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, secure transactions, and excellent customer service. Verified user reviews consistently affirm its effectiveness and the company's commitment to quality.
>> Protect Yourself from Counterfeits: Purchase ProDentim Only from the Official Website for Authenticity and a 60-Day Guarantee.
ProDentim Pricing: Which Package Offers the Best Value?
Understanding the different ProDentim packages is key to making an informed decision. ProDentim currently offers three distinct purchasing options, each catering to different needs and budgets:
1 Bottle (30-Day Supply) The single-bottle option is perfect for those who want to try ProDentim before committing to a larger supply. Priced at $69 per bottle (with 75% off), this option allows you to test the product and see how it works for your oral health.
3 Bottles (90-Day Supply) For users looking to achieve noticeable, long-term results, the three-bottle package is a great choice. Priced at $59 per bottle (total of $177), this package offers significant savings and ensures you have enough of the product for consistent use over three months. This option strikes a perfect balance between cost savings and giving the product enough time to work.
6 Bottles (180-Day Supply - Best Value) If you're committed to maximizing savings while reaping the greatest benefits, the six-bottle package is the best option. At just $49 per bottle (total of $294), this deal offers the most substantial discount. Additionally, it comes with two free eBooks that provide extra resources to support your oral health journey. Plus, this package includes free shipping, ensuring you're getting the best deal possible.
When considering the value, the six-bottle package clearly stands out, providing long-term benefits at the lowest cost per bottle. It's an excellent choice for anyone serious about achieving sustainable oral health improvements over time.
>> Secure the Best Deal on ProDentim from the Official Website Before It's Too Late.
How Does ProDentim Work? The Science Behind Its Powerful Effects
ProDentim is a cutting-edge probiotic formula designed to improve oral health by balancing the delicate ecosystem of your mouth. But how does ProDentim work? Let's dive into the science behind this innovative product and why dental experts are praising its effects.
1. Restoring the Oral Microbiome Balance
The foundation of ProDentim's effectiveness lies in its ability to restore balance to the oral microbiome—a crucial but often overlooked factor in dental health. The oral microbiome consists of billions of microorganisms, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. When harmful bacteria dominate, issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath arise. ProDentim's unique blend of probiotic strains—such as Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04—work to enhance the population of beneficial bacteria, which outcompete the harmful strains, reducing plaque, inflammation, and dental decay.
A study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology (2023) showed that probiotics containing Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria linked to tooth decay and plaque formation. Patients using these probiotics reported fresher breath and improved gum health in just 30 days. ProDentim uses these exact strains, making it a scientifically backed solution for oral health.
2. Strengthening Tooth Enamel and Preventing Decay
ProDentim also includes Dicalcium Phosphate and Malic Acid, two ingredients that work together to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Dicalcium phosphate provides essential minerals needed for enamel remineralization, which helps protect against cavities and sensitivity caused by acids or bacteria.
Malic acid, derived from fruits like strawberries, also contributes to enamel strength while naturally whitening teeth by reducing surface stains. According to research published in the International Journal of Dentistry (2024), patients using products with malic acid showed a 38% improvement in enamel strength and brightness within just two months.
3. Reducing Gum Inflammation and Enhancing Immunity
Inflamed gums, a common sign of poor oral health, can lead to bleeding, sensitivity, and more severe periodontal diseases. ProDentim's probiotics target inflammation at its core, with Lactobacillus paracasei being particularly effective in reducing swelling and promoting healthier gum tissue. Research from Harvard Dental Medicine (2022) supports the use of probiotics for improving gum health, showing that patients with chronic gum issues experienced significant reductions in inflammation and gum recession.
4. Sustained Freshness and Improved Breath
Bad breath is caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which harmful bacteria produce when breaking down food particles. ProDentim helps eliminate the root cause of halitosis by replenishing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus reuteri, which directly inhibit the bacteria responsible for producing VSCs. A study by the American Dental Association Journal (2023) found that 90% of participants using probiotics reported fresher breath within two weeks. ProDentim provides long-lasting freshness, not just temporary masking.
Why Dentists Recommend ProDentim
Dental professionals are increasingly advocating for probiotic-based solutions like ProDentim because traditional oral care methods—such as antibacterial mouthwashes—can disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome. In contrast, ProDentim supports this balance, offering long-term oral health benefits. This approach aligns with the latest research in dentistry, which emphasizes preventive care and the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome.
>> Discover Why Experts Are Raving About ProDentim – Visit the Official Website Now.
The Benefits of ProDentim: Transforming More Than Just Your Smile
ProDentim offers numerous benefits that go beyond basic oral hygiene. Users report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life after incorporating ProDentim into their routines. Here's how ProDentim can benefit you:
Enhanced Protection Against Tooth Decay and Cavities
ProDentim doesn't just prevent plaque buildup—it targets the underlying cause of tooth decay. By using probiotics that inhibit harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, ProDentim reduces the likelihood of cavities while strengthening tooth enamel. This proactive approach helps you avoid painful and costly dental interventions in the future.
Dramatic Improvement in Gum Health
ProDentim's ability to reduce gum inflammation and improve gum health is unparalleled. The probiotics in ProDentim, such as Lactobacillus paracasei, have been proven to reduce swelling, bleeding, and gum recession, leading to healthier gums that are less susceptible to infection.
Boosting Immune and Digestive Health
Beyond oral health, ProDentim enhances overall wellness by supporting gut flora balance. A healthy oral microbiome contributes to better digestion and a stronger immune system, protecting you from illnesses beyond just oral issues.
ProDentim provides a holistic health solution that goes beyond traditional oral care, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
>> See How ProDentim Can Transform Your Health – Learn More on the Official Website.
Is ProDentim Safe? Side Effects, Medical Backing, and FDA Compliance
Safety is a top concern when choosing any health supplement, and ProDentim is no exception. Each ingredient in ProDentim, including Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium Lactis BL-04, inulin, and malic acid, has undergone extensive testing in scientific studies and clinical trials, showing excellent safety profiles. These ingredients promote oral health and overall well-being, with medical professionals endorsing their safety.
ProDentim is manufactured in FDA-compliant and GMP-certified facilities in the United States, ensuring strict quality control. The product adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), guaranteeing proper ingredient sourcing, dosage, and testing throughout production.
Natural ingredients like probiotics and organic acids are often safer and more tolerable than synthetic chemicals, with studies confirming their safety when properly dosed. ProDentim leverages these safe natural components, providing a holistic oral health solution.
Long-term safety is also supported, with clinical trials showing no negative effects even after extended use. Users report consistent benefits, including improved oral health, fresher breath, and stronger teeth, with no adverse reactions.
>> Learn more about ProDentim's safety and order confidently from the official website.
ProDentim Ingredients – What's Inside and Why It Works
To truly understand what makes ProDentim so effective, it's important to take a close look at the ingredients that form the foundation of its powerful formula. Each ingredient was carefully selected for its proven benefits to oral health, with the perfect synergy designed to balance the oral microbiome. ProDentim isn't just a simple probiotic blend—it's a scientifically formulated product that uses the best natural ingredients in the exact proportions needed for maximum effectiveness. Let's break down the key ingredients:Lactobacillus Paracasei
Lactobacillus paracasei is a cornerstone probiotic strain in ProDentim, widely recognized for its positive impact on dental health. This probiotic helps create an environment where harmful bacteria struggle to thrive. It actively reduces biofilm formation, which is a primary contributor to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Studies published in dental journals have shown that Lactobacillus paracasei helps reduce plaque buildup and inflammation linked to gingivitis and periodontal diseases. It also strengthens the immune system, helping to maintain healthy oral tissues. ProDentim's carefully calibrated dosage of Lactobacillus paracasei ensures that it provides maximum protection against common oral infections while promoting a balanced oral microbiome.
Lactobacillus Reuteri
Another essential probiotic in ProDentim is Lactobacillus reuteri, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This probiotic works by producing antimicrobial compounds like reuterin, which inhibit harmful oral bacteria, leading to better oral health. Research confirms that Lactobacillus reuteri reduces oral inflammation, which is a leading cause of gum sensitivity and bleeding. Long-term use of Lactobacillus reuteri leads to healthier gums, fresher breath, and a reduction in dental issues. The specific concentration of Lactobacillus reuteri in ProDentim has been scientifically tested to ensure optimal results, especially when combined with Lactobacillus paracasei.
Bifidobacterium Lactis BL-04
Bifidobacterium Lactis BL-04 is a standout probiotic strain in ProDentim, known for its ability to enhance immune function and improve oral health. It plays a significant role in balancing the oral microbiome by suppressing harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay, gum inflammation, and periodontitis. Clinical studies have demonstrated that this strain reduces the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a harmful bacterium associated with gum disease. Bifidobacterium Lactis BL-04 also helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria from proliferating, reducing plaque formation and protecting enamel. The inclusion of this strain in ProDentim ensures enhanced protection against harmful oral pathogens.
Inulin (Chicory Root)
Inulin, a prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root, is another vital ingredient in ProDentim. Prebiotics like inulin nourishes beneficial probiotic bacteria, boosting their growth and overall effectiveness. Studies have shown that inulin enhances probiotic activity, improving their colonization and retention in the oral microbiome. Additionally, inulin helps neutralize acidic environments caused by sugar and starch consumption, preventing enamel erosion and tooth decay. The inclusion of inulin in ProDentim ensures that the probiotics perform at peak efficiency, amplifying their beneficial effects on oral health.
Malic Acid
Malic acid, a natural compound found in fruits like apples and strawberries, adds layer of benefit to ProDentim's formulation. It helps whiten teeth by gently breaking down superficial stains without damaging the enamel. Malic acid also contributes to healthier gums and fresher breath by reducing harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gingivitis. Clinical studies confirm that malic acid improves enamel strength and promotes a whiter, healthier smile with consistent use. The combination of malic acid with ProDentim's probiotics creates a powerful, holistic dental solution that delivers results far beyond typical whitening products.
This carefully crafted blend of ingredients makes ProDentim stand out from typical dental products. Each ingredient is precisely dosed, scientifically tested, and validated to provide the best results in maintaining optimal oral health.
>> Discover the science behind ProDentim's powerful ingredients – Learn more here.
ProDentim vs. Traditional Dental Products: What Makes It Stand Out?
While traditional dental products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss are part of many people's daily routines, they often don't address the root causes of oral health problems such as imbalances in the oral microbiome. ProDentim, on the other hand, focuses specifically on restoring and maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which is essential for long-term dental health.
Most traditional dental products primarily target surface-level plaque and bacteria, but they often contain harsh chemicals that can strip away beneficial bacteria, potentially leading to other oral health issues like gum sensitivity and enamel erosion. ProDentim's scientifically backed probiotic formula, which includes strains like Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus reuteri, works to naturally control harmful bacterial growth while promoting a healthy oral environment. Users of ProDentim report significant improvements in gum health, plaque reduction, and fresher breath compared to traditional dental products.
Unlike conventional oral care products, ProDentim addresses the root causes of dental issues by nurturing a balanced microbiome, which leads to long-lasting improvements in overall oral health. It promotes stronger teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath, all without the harsh side effects typically associated with traditional treatments.
Another advantage of ProDentim over traditional methods is that it works gently and effectively without irritating sensitive gums or teeth. Many mouthwashes and whitening products can cause discomfort or worsen sensitivity, but ProDentim's probiotic blend delivers effective results without these drawbacks.
The Real Truth About ProDentim & Oral Microbiome Health – Can It Restore Balance?
The oral microbiome is a delicate ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall oral health. An imbalance in this ecosystem can lead to problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. ProDentim's unique formula directly targets this imbalance by introducing beneficial probiotic strains like Bifidobacterium Lactis BL-04 and Lactobacillus Reuteri, which effectively combat harmful bacteria and restore the natural balance.
Research has shown that maintaining a healthy oral microbiome significantly reduces the occurrence of common dental problems. Clinical studies confirm that the probiotics in ProDentim help reduce plaque formation, inflammation, and the risk of gum disease, offering a genuine solution for maintaining long-term oral health. Many users report transformative results, including fewer cavities, healthier gums, and fresher breath, reinforcing ProDentim's effectiveness in restoring balance to the oral microbiome.
Dentists' Opinions on ProDentim – Why Dental Professionals Recommend It
Increasingly, dental professionals are recommending probiotics like ProDentim to support oral health. ProDentim's clinically supported probiotic strains and scientifically validated formula align with modern dental practices, which emphasize preventive care and microbiome health. Dentists appreciate that ProDentim addresses the underlying causes of dental issues rather than just masking symptoms, making it a valuable addition to any oral health routine.
>> Find out why dental professionals trust ProDentim – Learn more on the official website.
Final Verdict – Should You Invest in ProDentim?
Based on its unique formulation, clinical backing, and overwhelmingly positive user feedback, ProDentim stands out as an exceptional oral health supplement. Whether you're dealing with gum issues, cavities, or simply looking to maintain optimal oral health, ProDentim offers a safe, effective, and scientifically proven solution. Thousands of satisfied users and professional endorsements confirm that ProDentim is a long-term investment in your overall health.
>> Secure your ProDentim supply today and enjoy the benefits of healthier teeth and gums.
Product Email Supportcontact@prodentim-product.comOrder Support - Toll-Free1-800-390-6035 - 24/7Order Support - International+1 208-345-4245
Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements made regarding Prodentim have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary, and consumers should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if they have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. The publisher, author, and any affiliated parties assume no liability for inaccuracies or misuse of the information provided. Readers should always conduct their own research and make informed decisions regarding their health.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5bd9a98e-a14d-4ac2-85c5-9328fbb1bc64
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9faa8fb6-1f11-4f3a-a971-18786b58b0da
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
31 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Dupixent® (dupilumab) Data at Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference Reinforce Use in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Skin of Color
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that disproportionately impacts communities of color Dupixent achieved 75% or greater improvement in overall disease severity, the primary endpoint, in more than three-quarters of treated patients Patients experienced substantial reductions in hyperpigmentation, dry skin and itch from baseline Results support commitment to enhance clinical understanding of chronic diseases in communities of color TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and PARIS, June 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today presented results from the DISCOVER Phase 4, single-arm, open-label trial assessing Dupixent® (dupilumab) in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with skin of color. These are the first clinical trial results for Dupixent in a large population of patients with darker skin tones. The results, along with the Dupixent Phase 3 trials, demonstrated patients taking Dupixent experienced improvements in signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis from baseline across many skin tones. The data were shared in an oral presentation at the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference. 'Atopic dermatitis, a chronic disease with underlying type 2 inflammation, has a high prevalence and quality of life impact on patients with skin of color. Unique clinical features like darker patches of hyperpigmentation versus redness typically seen on lighter skin may lead to less accurate diagnoses and underestimation of disease severity,' said Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine. 'The results from the DISCOVER trial showed that Dupixent patients with atopic dermatitis and darker skin not only experienced reduced disease severity and itch but also saw improvements in areas of particular concern including dyspigmentation and dry skin. These data deepen the clinical understanding of atopic dermatitis within this underserved population, including use of newly validated scales.' In the trial, 120 patients with atopic dermatitis and skin of color (82% Black, 11% Asian, 2% American Indian/Alaska Native, 5% Arab, Central American or other) were treated with Dupixent every two weeks using a weight-based dosing regimen. At 24 weeks: The safety results in the DISCOVER trial were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent in its approved dermatological indications. The overall rate of adverse events (AEs; n=124) in the DISCOVER trial was 42%, with the most common (≥2%) AEs being headache (3%), upper respiratory tract infection (2%), eczema (2%), conjunctivitis (3%) and allergic conjunctivitis (2%). About Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease with underlying type 2 inflammation that causes intense, persistent itch and skin lesions that cover much of the body, resulting in skin dryness, cracking, pain, crusting and oozing. In patients with skin of color, the type and location of the lesions can vary, and they are more likely to have hardened skin lesions and severe skin dryness, itch, dyspigmentation and greater disease severity than those with lighter skin. Additionally, redness that is observed on lighter skin typically appears as darkened, grey or violet on darker skin tones. Because the disease presents differently in people with skin of color, it can be misdiagnosed or the severity underestimated, which can contribute to higher levels of healthcare resource utilization. About the DISCOVER Clinical Trial The DISCOVER Phase 4 open-label, single-arm trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Dupixent in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and skin of color, as defined by Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI (those with high melanin; light brown to black). During the 24-week treatment period, all patients in the trial received Dupixent monotherapy every two weeks based on weight after a loading dose: patients weighing ≥30 to <60 kg received 200 mg and patients weighing ≥60 kg received 300 mg. The primary endpoint assessed the proportion of patients who achieved at least 75% improvement on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients who achieved ≥4-point improvement on the Peak-Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) at 24 weeks. Additional endpoints included pigmentary changes on the clinician-reported Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Severity Scale (PHSS; scale: 0-8) and skin dryness on the newly developed patient-reported Xerosis NRS (X-AD; scale: 0-10) at 24 weeks. About Dupixent Dupixent, which was invented using Regeneron's proprietary VelocImmune® technology, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) pathways and is not an immunosuppressant. The Dupixent development program has shown significant clinical benefit and a decrease in type 2 inflammation in Phase 3 trials, establishing that IL-4 and IL-13 are two of the key and central drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in multiple related and often co-morbid diseases. Dupixent has received regulatory approvals in more than 60 countries in one or more indications including certain patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), prurigo nodularis, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in different age populations. More than 1,000,000 patients are being treated with Dupixent globally.1 About Regeneron's VelocImmune Technology Regeneron's VelocImmune technology utilizes a proprietary genetically engineered mouse platform endowed with a genetically humanized immune system to produce optimized fully human antibodies. When Regeneron's co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer George D. Yancopoulos was a graduate student with his mentor Frederick W. Alt in 1985, they were the first to envision making such a genetically humanized mouse, and Regeneron has spent decades inventing and developing VelocImmune and related VelociSuite ® technologies. Dr. Yancopoulos and his team have used VelocImmune technology to create a substantial proportion of all original, FDA-approved fully human monoclonal antibodies. This includes Dupixent® (dupilumab), Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), Praluent® (alirocumab), Kevzara® (sarilumab), Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb), Inmazeb® (atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab-ebgn) and Veopoz® (pozelimab-bbfg). In addition, REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab) had been authorized by the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic until 2024. Dupilumab Development Program Dupilumab is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. To date, dupilumab has been studied across more than 60 clinical trials involving more than 10,000 patients with various chronic diseases driven in part by type 2 inflammation. In addition to the currently approved indications, Regeneron and Sanofi are studying dupilumab in a broad range of diseases driven by type 2 inflammation or other allergic processes in Phase 3 trials, including chronic pruritus of unknown origin, bullous pemphigoid, and lichen simplex chronicus. These potential uses of dupilumab are currently under clinical investigation, and the safety and efficacy in these conditions have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority. U.S. INDICATIONS DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: DUPIXENT is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace an inhaled rescue medicine. DUPIXENT is not used to treat any other forms of hives (urticaria). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines; have asthma and use an asthma medicine; or have atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic spontaneous urticaria, and also have asthma. Do not change or stop your other medicines, including corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine, without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by those medicines to come back. DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: The most common side effects include: Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It's an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it's recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children 6 months to less than 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information. About Regeneron Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases. Regeneron pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery and accelerates drug development using our proprietary technologies, such as VelociSuite, which produces optimized fully human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. We are shaping the next frontier of medicine with data-powered insights from the Regeneron Genetics Center® and pioneering genetic medicine platforms, enabling us to identify innovative targets and complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases. For more information, please visit or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or X. About Sanofi Sanofi is an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. We apply our deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives; this inspires us to drive progress and deliver positive impact for our people and the communities we serve, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time. Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY. Regeneron Forward-Looking Statements and Use of Digital Media This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ('Regeneron' or the 'Company'), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'seek,' 'estimate,' variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements concern, and these risks and uncertainties include, among others, the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, 'Regeneron's Products') and product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, 'Regeneron's Product Candidates') and research and clinical programs now underway or planned, including without limitation Dupixent®(dupilumab); uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron or others and whether mandated or voluntary), including the studies discussed or referenced in this press release, on any of the foregoing; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regeneron's Product Candidates and new indications for Regeneron's Products, such as Dupixent for the treatment of chronic pruritus of unknown origin, bullous pemphigoid, lichen simplex chronicus, and other potential indications; the ability of Regeneron's collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron to manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates and risks associated with tariffs and other trade restrictions; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regeneron's Products (such as Dupixent) and Regeneron's Product Candidates in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regeneron's ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates; ongoing regulatory obligations and oversight impacting Regeneron's Products, research and clinical programs, and business, including those relating to patient privacy; the availability and extent of reimbursement or copay assistance for Regeneron's Products from third-party payors and other third parties, including private payor healthcare and insurance programs, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; coverage and reimbursement determinations by such payors and other third parties and new policies and procedures adopted by such payors and other third parties; changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting the healthcare industry; competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates (including biosimilar versions of Regeneron's Products); the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; unanticipated expenses; the costs of developing, producing, and selling products; the ability of Regeneron to meet any of its financial projections or guidance and changes to the assumptions underlying those projections or guidance; the potential for any license, collaboration, or supply agreement, including Regeneron's agreements with Sanofi and Bayer (or their respective affiliated companies, as applicable), to be cancelled or terminated; the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics on Regeneron's business; and risks associated with litigation and other proceedings and government investigations relating to the Company and/or its operations (including the pending civil proceedings initiated or joined by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts), risks associated with intellectual property of other parties and pending or future litigation relating thereto (including without limitation the patent litigation and other related proceedings relating to EYLEA®(aflibercept) Injection), the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings and investigations, and the impact any of the foregoing may have on Regeneron's business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regeneron's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statements are made based on management's current beliefs and judgment, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron. Regeneron does not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Regeneron uses its media and investor relations website and social media outlets to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Regeneron is routinely posted and is accessible on Regeneron's media and investor relations website ( and its LinkedIn page ( Sanofi Disclaimers or Forward-Looking Statements This media update contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates regarding the marketing and other potential of the product, or regarding potential future revenues from the product. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words 'expects', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'intends', 'estimates', 'plans', and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, or government regulation generally, that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the product, the fact that product may not be commercially successful, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis of existing clinical data relating to the product, including post marketing, unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, competition in general, risks associated with intellectual property and any related future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such litigation, and volatile economic and market conditions, and the impact that global crises may have on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and the financial condition of any one of them, as well as on our employees and on the global economy as a whole. The risks and uncertainties also include the uncertainties discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under 'Risk Factors' and 'Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements. All trademarks mentioned in this press release are the property of the Sanofi group except for VelociSuite and Regeneron Genetics Center . 1 Data on File
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Welcome to the fattest place in America, where fresh fruit is a 12-mile trip away
Clyde Anderson has a thick, raised scar, three centimetres wide, that runs down the centre of his chest where his ribcage was cut open. In 2020, surgeons extracted veins from Anderson's leg and grafted them to his heart in a quadruple bypass. His original coronary arteries had become so clogged with fat that he had had a heart attack. 'I was truck-driving and eating when I could, eating fast food,' says Anderson, 54. At the time, he weighed around 19 stone (120kg). 'Then my health checked up on me.' But by many accounts, Anderson, who has since sworn off fried food and is several stone lighter, is one of the luckier residents of Holmes County in rural Mississippi. 'I have classmates who died from diabetes and heart attacks in their 30s,' says Roneda Lowe, 42, another local. This is the reality of living in the fattest place in America. Of the 3,140 US counties with comparable statistics in the 2023 US Health Census, five have an obesity rate of more than 50pc. In Holmes County, Mississippi, 53.2pc of all adults are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. It is a microcosm of the problems plaguing rural America, as residents are on the frontline of an obesity crisis that is destroying the nation's health. How long this malaise has left is another matter. Robert F Kennedy Jr has vowed to wage war on America's expanding waistlines. Kennedy, appointed US health secretary by Donald Trump, has claimed that something in the food supply is 'poisoning the American people', with fast food giants largely to blame. 'The problem is, [the] industry is making money on keeping us sick,' he said in April. His Make America Healthy Again (Maha) report last month claimed the ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that make up nearly 70pc of children's calorie intake are 'detrimental' to their health. This crackdown has drawn support from many of America's leading food experts, who have been won over despite Kennedy's reputation for spreading conspiracy theories. 'His rhetoric is fantastic,' says Marion Nestle, emerita professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University. 'I've just never heard anybody in government take on the food industry in this way.' If he follows through with his ambitions, Kennedy will engage in all-out war with a $2.4 trillion (£1.8 trillion) food industry that has held sway in America for decades. However, to achieve his health revolution, he faces a gargantuan fight. In the darkened gymnasium of an abandoned school six miles outside Tchula, Holmes County, an irrigation system for a new hydroponics farm is being prepared. When Calvin Head flicks a switch, LED lights hum and water spurts from the tubes looped around the metal trays. They do not yet hold any plants, but Head hopes to grow microgreens, bok choi and strawberries once he receives grant funding for the necessary renovations. Head, 63, is the director of the Mileston Farmers Cooperative Association, which is focused on regenerative farming and training local young people. Elsewhere, he is growing corn, squash, watermelon, purple hull peas, and 'every green you can imagine'. As part of the group's mission, Head and his colleague Tom Collins, 70, are battling to address a paradox. Despite their base in the Mississippi Delta, which boasts some of the richest soil in the state, many Holmes County residents live in what are known as 'food deserts'. Agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry. There are more than 31,000 farms across the state covering a combined 10.3m acres. And Holmes County itself is unbelievably lush. Everything is green, apart from the flaming yellow black-eyed susans that grow wild in banks at the side of the road. Things grow well here, but grocery stores in Holmes County are few and far between. In most, the fresh food sections are tiny, and many have empty shelves. For example, in Tchula's Dollar General store – a discount chain with a small grocery section – the crates supposed to house fresh tomatoes and bananas are barren. The closest supermarket is 12 miles away in Lexington, the nearest city. But that does not mean it is plentiful or cheap. 'The closest reasonably good supermarket is about 30 miles away,' says Collins. Even the healthy food available in stores isn't always tasty or nutritious. 'They use preservatives,' says Collins. 'Maybe it takes a week before it gets here. You take a bite of an apple, and it tastes like beeswax. 'We live in a community where you have fields of traditional crops like cotton, corn, and soybeans, but that's not going to actually put food in your belly. Holmes County is a desperate area for nutritional food.' Like many places in rural America, there is no public transport whatsoever in Holmes County. There are no pavements beside 55mph roads, no cycle lanes and no public pathways through the countryside. This makes it difficult to exercise and impossible to get anywhere without a car. Lack of access to healthy food is also compounded by poor healthcare services. Holmes County's economy was built by slaves, defined by agriculture and has long-standing inequalities. But farming jobs have now long been lost to machines. 'We were really dirt poor and educationally destitute,' says Sylvia Gist, who grew up in the county in the 1950s and 60s during the Civil Rights movement and now runs a scholarship programme called the Migration Heritage Foundation. 'If you were black, you were poor, but for whites it was booming.' Sixty years on and everyone is struggling. Median household income in Holmes County is just $29,434 – the lowest of any county with a population of more than 10,000. Every single child is eligible for free school meals. 'Real poverty in America is defined by access,' says Jason Coker, who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and is president of Together for Hope, a rural development coalition. 'People might have access to a gas station, but they don't sell fruits and vegetables. They sell fried food and that food is cheaper. The cheapest food is the worst food. 'So you get a full diet of the worst foods that make you obese and prone to diabetes, which kills your health outcomes.' But even when healthy food is available, people often do not choose it. It can be more expensive and less convenient. And it is not omnipresent in TV commercials. Dennis Horton, 65, was born and raised in the small town of Goodman and opened Christine's Restaurant here seven months ago. He drives an hour each way to buy the produce he needs from markets in the Mississippi towns of Grenada, Philadelphia and Jackson. When he started, Horton and his partner tried offering dinners with vegetables on the menu, but that didn't last long. 'We had to stop about three months ago,' he says. 'It was wasting food. We weren't selling them.' Price is also key. He charges around $14 for a more nutritionally complete meal, whereas Horton's hamburgers cost $10. This can often make all the difference. 'People like to eat cheap,' he says. This reflects the loss of autonomy over food in Holmes County. On Tuesday in Goodman, families gathered around barbecues under pavilions at the side of the main street. Over the generations, the residents of Holmes County have noticed a dramatic change in their relationship with food. 'My mom grew up here with their family's own food gardens,' says Roneda Lowe. Her mother, Nellie Scott, 71, recalls how she 'could eat all day long'. 'But it was fruit,' she says. 'We had apple trees, figs and peas from our garden. We didn't get cake until Sundays and we didn't have problems with obesity.' For Lowe, the contrast was stark. 'Between my mum's generation and mine, something got disconnected,' she says. 'I grew up on Pop-Tarts. The things we eat are different. People eat a lot of French fries and chicken wings. We should go back to whole foods.' This is where 'big food' comes in. 'Years back, when the grandparents and extended family all lived under one roof, there was somebody to cook and prepare food,' says Robin McCrory, the outgoing mayor of Lexington. 'Now we live in the age of fast food and instant gratification and drive-ins and drive-throughs.' Marion Nestle argues that much of this shift has been driven by profits. 'The food industry made an enormous concerted effort in the 1950s to convince women in particular that cooking was a chore, difficult, complicated,' she says. 'They said, 'We're going to make it easy for you. We're going to produce TV dinners. We're going to produce packaged foods. All you have to do is open them and heat them up.'' Food companies pursuing higher profits for shareholders are quite naturally geared towards encouraging people to eat more. That means companies seek to manufacture food that is cheaper, tastier and has a longer shelf life. Cue the rise of ultra-processed foods. UPFs are industrially manufactured food items that have undergone intense processing and contain ingredients not found in home kitchens, such as stabilisers and emulsifiers. They include fizzy drinks, sausages, mass-produced bread and most packaged snacks. These foods now make up more than half of America's calorie intake. UPFs typically have very high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats and salt. They are typically high in calories and low in nutrients. But they are convenient and cheap. 'For people who are poor, who are working two or three jobs and are absolutely exhausted, they don't have money to buy expensive things for their kids,' says Nestle, the emerita professor of nutrition. 'But they can give their kids food as treats, and their kids want fast food because it's marketed. These are kids who have no idea what real food is like.' UPFs have been linked to increased risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancer. And what is particularly clear from scientific studies is that UPFs make people eat more. 'It's the processing, the texture, the flavour. These foods are deliberately designed so that you keep eating them,' says Nestle. 'These products are advertised, that's what you think you're supposed to eat. That's extremely profitable for companies. 'There's a real problem, and RFK has hit on that problem.' UPFs are a key flashpoint in Kennedy's Maha report, which describes them as 'detrimental to children's health' and draws a direct link between the higher prevalence of UPFs in America and the nation's higher rate of obesity compared to Europe. It also states that UPFs have led to 'nutritional depletion' in children and points to studies that various additives have been linked to an increase in mental disorders. The rise of UPFs and fast food marketing has coincided with fewer young people learning how to cook. 'We've forgotten how to grow our own food and cook it,' says Coker. Nestle adds: 'If you don't know how to cook, you can't go around the periphery of the supermarket, pick up real, unprocessed foods and turn them into something that your family is willing to eat in a short amount of time.' Poor health extends far beyond Holmes County. Around two in five American adults are obese, by far the highest rate in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of rich nations. Another third are overweight. When Kennedy spoke at his Senate committee hearing back in January, his diagnosis of the problem was not dissimilar to Lowe's, but he was far more aggressive. 'When my uncle [John F Kennedy] was president [in 1961-63], 3pc of Americans were obese. Today, 74pc of Americans are either obese or overweight,' he said. 'No other country has anything like this. In Japan, the obesity rate is still 3pc. And epidemics are not caused by genes. Genes may provide the vulnerability. But you need an environmental toxin. 'Something is poisoning the American people and we know that the primary culprits are changing food supply, the switch to highly chemical-intensive processed foods.' Even Donald Trump, a loyal McDonald's customer, has come out fighting. At the launch of the Maha report in May, he said: 'Unlike other administrations, we will not be silenced or intimidated by the corporate lobbyists or special interests, and I want this group to do what they have to do. It won't be nice or won't be pretty, but we have to do it.' Rarely has a previous administration been so overt in its criticism of America's food industry. Alexia Howard, a senior food industry analyst at Bernstein, says: 'I've covered the space for 20 years, and in that time frame, I haven't seen anything quite like this in food. 'It's interesting to see how far and how fast things are moving right now.' Kennedy has promised comprehensive policy plans in August, while one of his first steps has been to announce measures to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. This was low-hanging fruit. Food producers will not need to reformulate a product if the dye is changed. Flavourings, by contrast, will be more complicated. 'I think that over time, that will expand into other additives and ingredients that are not demonstrably safe,' says Howard. 'Things like preservatives and additives used to bulk ingredients up.' Kennedy has begun the process of closing the 'generally recognised as safe' (Gras) loophole, which allows food companies to secure approval for additives without applying to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is in a consultation period on proposals to introduce a new mandate for front-of-package nutrition labels to highlight salt, added sugar and saturated fat contents of foods. 'I don't want to take food away from anybody,' Kennedy said at his committee hearing earlier this year. 'If you like a McDonald's cheeseburger or a Diet Coke, which my boss [Trump] loves, you should be able to get them. But you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.' Holmes County is one of the bluest hubs in a state that voted red at the last election, although Kennedy's war on fast food is winning over local voters. 'I'm really not a Trump fan, but as far as Robert F Kennedy is concerned, I agree with him to a great extent,' says Gist, who voted Democrat in November. The first task for Kennedy will be gaining influence over the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is responsible for many of the policy areas the health secretary wants to tackle. In particular, USDA oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), which provides what are effectively food stamps to one in eight Americans. Kennedy says he wants to change Snap so that unhealthy foods do not qualify for taxpayer cash. Currently, the scheme is dominated by UPFs. Analysis by Bernstein shows that sweetened beverages are the second-largest category of expenditure for Snap recipients, accounting for nearly a tenth (9.3pc) of all benefits. This is double what is spent on fruit (4.7pc). A further 19.4pc is spent on frozen ready meals, shop-bought desserts, salty snacks and sweets combined. Kennedy has encouraged states to apply for individual waivers. Texas has already passed a bill to make fizzy drinks, crisps and sweets no longer eligible for Snap benefits, while nine other states are drawing up similar plans. But federal rule changes will depend on the USDA, which is being lobbied hard by some of America's biggest companies. There are already signs that big agriculture has achieved some success, particularly as the Maha report fell far short of an anticipated attack on pesticides. There are also questions over Kennedy's credibility. His Maha report has been widely panned for referencing scientific studies that do not exist and for evidence it was written with the help of AI. It has also drawn scrutiny for raising doubts about children's vaccines, a longstanding bugbear for Kennedy, who recently made a false claim that prescription medicines were the third leading cause of death in the US. 'It's very difficult to take this seriously,' says Nestle. As for big food, it is not only Kennedy who poses a threat. It is also under pressure from big pharma. Over the past year, weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, known as GLP-1s, have exploded across the US. Between 8pc and 10pc of the US population are using these drugs, while analysts expect this figure will soon rise to 15pc. Taking GLP-1s means patients reduce their calorie consumption by 27.5pc, potentially slashing obesity rates across the country. 'The food industry is terrified because they make people eat less,' says Nestle. However, while politicians and lobbyists wage war in Washington, the residents of Holmes County are crying out for change. Before he ran the farm, Head was Holmes County's transportation director. It was during this role that he was confronted with the bleak reality that Mississippi is the only state in America where more than a quarter of children (26.1pc) are obese. Head knows that fixing such damning statistics is the only way to prevent another era of obesity in America. 'The school buses were overcrowded because some of the kids were so big that only two of them could be where three ought to sit,' he says. 'We just want to work hard to make life better for ourselves.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Welcome to the fattest place in America, where fresh fruit is a 12-mile trip away
Clyde Anderson has a thick, raised scar, three centimetres wide, that runs down the centre of his chest where his ribcage was cut open. In 2020, surgeons extracted veins from Anderson's leg and grafted them to his heart in a quadruple bypass. His original coronary arteries had become so clogged with fat that he had had a heart attack. 'I was truck-driving and eating when I could, eating fast food,' says Anderson, 54. At the time, he weighed around 19 stone (120kg). 'Then my health checked up on me.' But by many accounts, Anderson, who has since sworn off fried food and is several stone lighter, is one of the luckier residents of Holmes County in rural Mississippi. 'I have classmates who died from diabetes and heart attacks in their 30s,' says Roneda Lowe, 42, another local. This is the reality of living in the fattest place in America. Of the 3,140 US counties with comparable statistics in the 2023 US Health Census, five have an obesity rate of more than 50pc. In Holmes County, Mississippi, 53.2pc of all adults are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. It is a microcosm of the problems plaguing rural America, as residents are on the frontline of an obesity crisis that is destroying the nation's health. How long this malaise has left is another matter. Robert F Kennedy Jr has vowed to wage war on America's expanding waistlines. Kennedy, appointed US health secretary by Donald Trump, has claimed that something in the food supply is 'poisoning the American people', with fast food giants largely to blame. 'The problem is, [the] industry is making money on keeping us sick,' he said in April. His Make America Healthy Again (Maha) report last month claimed the ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that make up nearly 70pc of children's calorie intake are 'detrimental' to their health. This crackdown has drawn support from many of America's leading food experts, who have been won over despite Kennedy's reputation for spreading conspiracy theories. 'His rhetoric is fantastic,' says Marion Nestle, emerita professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University. 'I've just never heard anybody in government take on the food industry in this way.' If he follows through with his ambitions, Kennedy will engage in all-out war with a $2.4 trillion (£1.8 trillion) food industry that has held sway in America for decades. However, to achieve his health revolution, he faces a gargantuan fight. In the darkened gymnasium of an abandoned school six miles outside Tchula, Holmes County, an irrigation system for a new hydroponics farm is being prepared. When Calvin Head flicks a switch, LED lights hum and water spurts from the tubes looped around the metal trays. They do not yet hold any plants, but Head hopes to grow microgreens, bok choi and strawberries once he receives grant funding for the necessary renovations. Head, 63, is the director of the Mileston Farmers Cooperative Association, which is focused on regenerative farming and training local young people. Elsewhere, he is growing corn, squash, watermelon, purple hull peas, and 'every green you can imagine'. As part of the group's mission, Head and his colleague Tom Collins, 70, are battling to address a paradox. Despite their base in the Mississippi Delta, which boasts some of the richest soil in the state, many Holmes County residents live in what are known as 'food deserts'. Agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry. There are more than 31,000 farms across the state covering a combined 10.3m acres. And Holmes County itself is unbelievably lush. Everything is green, apart from the flaming yellow black-eyed susans that grow wild in banks at the side of the road. Things grow well here, but grocery stores in Holmes County are few and far between. In most, the fresh food sections are tiny, and many have empty shelves. For example, in Tchula's Dollar General store – a discount chain with a small grocery section – the crates supposed to house fresh tomatoes and bananas are barren. The closest supermarket is 12 miles away in Lexington, the nearest city. But that does not mean it is plentiful or cheap. 'The closest reasonably good supermarket is about 30 miles away,' says Collins. Even the healthy food available in stores isn't always tasty or nutritious. 'They use preservatives,' says Collins. 'Maybe it takes a week before it gets here. You take a bite of an apple, and it tastes like beeswax. 'We live in a community where you have fields of traditional crops like cotton, corn, and soybeans, but that's not going to actually put food in your belly. Holmes County is a desperate area for nutritional food.' Like many places in rural America, there is no public transport whatsoever in Holmes County. There are no pavements beside 55mph roads, no cycle lanes and no public pathways through the countryside. This makes it difficult to exercise and impossible to get anywhere without a car. Lack of access to healthy food is also compounded by poor healthcare services. Holmes County's economy was built by slaves, defined by agriculture and has long-standing inequalities. But farming jobs have now long been lost to machines. 'We were really dirt poor and educationally destitute,' says Sylvia Gist, who grew up in the county in the 1950s and 60s during the Civil Rights movement and now runs a scholarship programme called the Migration Heritage Foundation. 'If you were black, you were poor, but for whites it was booming.' Sixty years on and everyone is struggling. Median household income in Holmes County is just $29,434 – the lowest of any county with a population of more than 10,000. Every single child is eligible for free school meals. 'Real poverty in America is defined by access,' says Jason Coker, who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and is president of Together for Hope, a rural development coalition. 'People might have access to a gas station, but they don't sell fruits and vegetables. They sell fried food and that food is cheaper. The cheapest food is the worst food. 'So you get a full diet of the worst foods that make you obese and prone to diabetes, which kills your health outcomes.' But even when healthy food is available, people often do not choose it. It can be more expensive and less convenient. And it is not omnipresent in TV commercials. Dennis Horton, 65, was born and raised in the small town of Goodman and opened Christine's Restaurant here seven months ago. He drives an hour each way to buy the produce he needs from markets in the Mississippi towns of Grenada, Philadelphia and Jackson. When he started, Horton and his partner tried offering dinners with vegetables on the menu, but that didn't last long. 'We had to stop about three months ago,' he says. 'It was wasting food. We weren't selling them.' Price is also key. He charges around $14 for a more nutritionally complete meal, whereas Horton's hamburgers cost $10. This can often make all the difference. 'People like to eat cheap,' he says. This reflects the loss of autonomy over food in Holmes County. On Tuesday in Goodman, families gathered around barbecues under pavilions at the side of the main street. Over the generations, the residents of Holmes County have noticed a dramatic change in their relationship with food. 'My mom grew up here with their family's own food gardens,' says Roneda Lowe. Her mother, Nellie Scott, 71, recalls how she 'could eat all day long'. 'But it was fruit,' she says. 'We had apple trees, figs and peas from our garden. We didn't get cake until Sundays and we didn't have problems with obesity.' For Lowe, the contrast was stark. 'Between my mum's generation and mine, something got disconnected,' she says. 'I grew up on Pop-Tarts. The things we eat are different. People eat a lot of French fries and chicken wings. We should go back to whole foods.' This is where 'big food' comes in. 'Years back, when the grandparents and extended family all lived under one roof, there was somebody to cook and prepare food,' says Robin McCrory, the outgoing mayor of Lexington. 'Now we live in the age of fast food and instant gratification and drive-ins and drive-throughs.' Marion Nestle argues that much of this shift has been driven by profits. 'The food industry made an enormous concerted effort in the 1950s to convince women in particular that cooking was a chore, difficult, complicated,' she says. 'They said, 'We're going to make it easy for you. We're going to produce TV dinners. We're going to produce packaged foods. All you have to do is open them and heat them up.'' Food companies pursuing higher profits for shareholders are quite naturally geared towards encouraging people to eat more. That means companies seek to manufacture food that is cheaper, tastier and has a longer shelf life. Cue the rise of ultra-processed foods. UPFs are industrially manufactured food items that have undergone intense processing and contain ingredients not found in home kitchens, such as stabilisers and emulsifiers. They include fizzy drinks, sausages, mass-produced bread and most packaged snacks. These foods now make up more than half of America's calorie intake. UPFs typically have very high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats and salt. They are typically high in calories and low in nutrients. But they are convenient and cheap. 'For people who are poor, who are working two or three jobs and are absolutely exhausted, they don't have money to buy expensive things for their kids,' says Nestle, the emerita professor of nutrition. 'But they can give their kids food as treats, and their kids want fast food because it's marketed. These are kids who have no idea what real food is like.' UPFs have been linked to increased risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancer. And what is particularly clear from scientific studies is that UPFs make people eat more. 'It's the processing, the texture, the flavour. These foods are deliberately designed so that you keep eating them,' says Nestle. 'These products are advertised, that's what you think you're supposed to eat. That's extremely profitable for companies. 'There's a real problem, and RFK has hit on that problem.' UPFs are a key flashpoint in Kennedy's Maha report, which describes them as 'detrimental to children's health' and draws a direct link between the higher prevalence of UPFs in America and the nation's higher rate of obesity compared to Europe. It also states that UPFs have led to 'nutritional depletion' in children and points to studies that various additives have been linked to an increase in mental disorders. The rise of UPFs and fast food marketing has coincided with fewer young people learning how to cook. 'We've forgotten how to grow our own food and cook it,' says Coker. Nestle adds: 'If you don't know how to cook, you can't go around the periphery of the supermarket, pick up real, unprocessed foods and turn them into something that your family is willing to eat in a short amount of time.' Poor health extends far beyond Holmes County. Around two in five American adults are obese, by far the highest rate in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of rich nations. Another third are overweight. When Kennedy spoke at his Senate committee hearing back in January, his diagnosis of the problem was not dissimilar to Lowe's, but he was far more aggressive. 'When my uncle [John F Kennedy] was president [in 1961-63], 3pc of Americans were obese. Today, 74pc of Americans are either obese or overweight,' he said. 'No other country has anything like this. In Japan, the obesity rate is still 3pc. And epidemics are not caused by genes. Genes may provide the vulnerability. But you need an environmental toxin. 'Something is poisoning the American people and we know that the primary culprits are changing food supply, the switch to highly chemical-intensive processed foods.' Even Donald Trump, a loyal McDonald's customer, has come out fighting. At the launch of the Maha report in May, he said: 'Unlike other administrations, we will not be silenced or intimidated by the corporate lobbyists or special interests, and I want this group to do what they have to do. It won't be nice or won't be pretty, but we have to do it.' Rarely has a previous administration been so overt in its criticism of America's food industry. Alexia Howard, a senior food industry analyst at Bernstein, says: 'I've covered the space for 20 years, and in that time frame, I haven't seen anything quite like this in food. 'It's interesting to see how far and how fast things are moving right now.' Kennedy has promised comprehensive policy plans in August, while one of his first steps has been to announce measures to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. This was low-hanging fruit. Food producers will not need to reformulate a product if the dye is changed. Flavourings, by contrast, will be more complicated. 'I think that over time, that will expand into other additives and ingredients that are not demonstrably safe,' says Howard. 'Things like preservatives and additives used to bulk ingredients up.' Kennedy has begun the process of closing the 'generally recognised as safe' (Gras) loophole, which allows food companies to secure approval for additives without applying to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is in a consultation period on proposals to introduce a new mandate for front-of-package nutrition labels to highlight salt, added sugar and saturated fat contents of foods. 'I don't want to take food away from anybody,' Kennedy said at his committee hearing earlier this year. 'If you like a McDonald's cheeseburger or a Diet Coke, which my boss [Trump] loves, you should be able to get them. But you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.' Holmes County is one of the bluest hubs in a state that voted red at the last election, although Kennedy's war on fast food is winning over local voters. 'I'm really not a Trump fan, but as far as Robert F Kennedy is concerned, I agree with him to a great extent,' says Gist, who voted Democrat in November. The first task for Kennedy will be gaining influence over the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is responsible for many of the policy areas the health secretary wants to tackle. In particular, USDA oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), which provides what are effectively food stamps to one in eight Americans. Kennedy says he wants to change Snap so that unhealthy foods do not qualify for taxpayer cash. Currently, the scheme is dominated by UPFs. Analysis by Bernstein shows that sweetened beverages are the second-largest category of expenditure for Snap recipients, accounting for nearly a tenth (9.3pc) of all benefits. This is double what is spent on fruit (4.7pc). A further 19.4pc is spent on frozen ready meals, shop-bought desserts, salty snacks and sweets combined. Kennedy has encouraged states to apply for individual waivers. Texas has already passed a bill to make fizzy drinks, crisps and sweets no longer eligible for Snap benefits, while nine other states are drawing up similar plans. But federal rule changes will depend on the USDA, which is being lobbied hard by some of America's biggest companies. There are already signs that big agriculture has achieved some success, particularly as the Maha report fell far short of an anticipated attack on pesticides. There are also questions over Kennedy's credibility. His Maha report has been widely panned for referencing scientific studies that do not exist and for evidence it was written with the help of AI. It has also drawn scrutiny for raising doubts about children's vaccines, a longstanding bugbear for Kennedy, who recently made a false claim that prescription medicines were the third leading cause of death in the US. 'It's very difficult to take this seriously,' says Nestle. As for big food, it is not only Kennedy who poses a threat. It is also under pressure from big pharma. Over the past year, weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, known as GLP-1s, have exploded across the US. Between 8pc and 10pc of the US population are using these drugs, while analysts expect this figure will soon rise to 15pc. Taking GLP-1s means patients reduce their calorie consumption by 27.5pc, potentially slashing obesity rates across the country. 'The food industry is terrified because they make people eat less,' says Nestle. However, while politicians and lobbyists wage war in Washington, the residents of Holmes County are crying out for change. Before he ran the farm, Head was Holmes County's transportation director. It was during this role that he was confronted with the bleak reality that Mississippi is the only state in America where more than a quarter of children (26.1pc) are obese. Head knows that fixing such damning statistics is the only way to prevent another era of obesity in America. 'The school buses were overcrowded because some of the kids were so big that only two of them could be where three ought to sit,' he says. 'We just want to work hard to make life better for ourselves.'
