'Sickest generation': What the RFK Jr's report says about American children and how to 'make America healthy again'
The White House on Thursday unveiled a sweeping new report outlining a vision to 'make America healthy again,' highlighting a public health crisis among children driven by
ultraprocessed foods
, environmental chemicals, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and the widespread use of prescription drugs, including antidepressants.
The report, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through a presidential commission, does not provide specific policy solutions. Instead, it consolidates existing research and proposes further scientific studies — such as comparisons between whole foods and ultraprocessed alternatives, and investigations into how chemical exposures may influence genetics.
Key points from the report:
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Dire Health Landscape for U.S. Children: The report describes
American children
as 'the sickest generation in American history,' criticizing the government's heavy investment in treatment rather than prevention of chronic diseases like obesity, cancer, depression, and heart disease.
Critique of Overmedicalization: It warns of the growing trend of 'overmedicalization' in children, blaming pharmaceutical industry influence over medical research and institutions, prioritizing profits over children's health.
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Kennedy's Call to Action: Kennedy described the report as an invitation to spark nuanced national dialogue. While no budget has been proposed, he argued that long-term cost savings would result from focusing on prevention.
Broad Government Involvement: The report represents agreement among several federal leaders, including the heads of the EPA, USDA, FDA, and NIH. Notably absent was the CDC, which Kennedy has stripped of its role in chronic disease prevention — a function now assigned to a new entity: the Administration for a Healthy America.
Deviation from Standard Public Health Approaches: While the CDC typically focuses on smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and inactivity as the main causes of chronic disease, the new commission downplays smoking and alcohol. The Trump administration has eliminated the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health and dismissed the FDA's top tobacco regulator.
Focus on Processed Foods & Chemicals: The report blames America's chronic illness epidemic on ultraprocessed foods, additives, and environmental toxins — including PFAS, microplastics, fluoride, and electromagnetic radiation — urging more research into their effects on children's health.
Criticism of U.S. Food Policy: The food industry is accused of prioritizing profit over nutrition. The report calls out the government's reduced support for healthy food programs and highlights how ultraprocessed foods now account for nearly 70% of American children's caloric intake.
Limited Discussion on Vaccines: Vaccine safety, a signature issue for Kennedy, receives only brief mention. The report acknowledges both the benefits of vaccines and the importance of open scientific debate, while warning against the suppression of dissent.
Mental Health and Medication: The report raises concerns over rising prescriptions for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants among children. It criticizes overdiagnosis of conditions like ADHD and questions the efficacy and long-term effects of such medications.
Omissions in Scope: The report does not address key youth health concerns such as smoking, vaping, drug use, STDs, or gun violence — the leading cause of death for children and teens.
Political Pushback: Even before its release, the report faced criticism — especially over its mention of agricultural chemicals like glyphosate. Lawmakers, including Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, warned the commission not to undermine farming practices. Kennedy assured that no immediate policy would threaten existing agricultural models.
President Trump is expected to formally unveil the report at a White House event, with supporters of the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative in attendance.
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