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White House Commission's First Look at Chronic Disease Report

words chronic disease with stethoscope

1.5 minute read

The White House's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has released its inaugural report on chronic disease. Established by an executive order from President Trump, the commission includes 14 officials from various federal agencies and focuses on improving life expectancy and addressing chronic disease.

The report, “Make Our Children Healthy Again: Assessment,” examined how innovations in technology, health, and agriculture have spurred economic growth while also posing health risks, linking many chronic diseases to these advancements. The report attributed many chronic diseases to the following potential drivers:

  • Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) - Nearly 70% of children’s calories come from UPFs, which are loaded with added sugars, chemical additives, and saturated fats.
  • Environmental chemicals - Children face growing exposure to synthetic chemicals like pesticides, microplastics, and dioxins.
  • Sedentary, technology-driven lifestyle - Children's sedentary, tech-driven lifestyles lead to high inactivity, excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, and chronic stress. Teens average nine hours of non-school screen time daily, with 85% not meeting the 2024 federal activity guidelines.
  • Medical overuse - Concerns exist about the overprescription of medications such as antidepressants, ADHD drugs, asthma treatments, and GLP-1 drugs to children.

The report recommended further study of childhood vaccine schedules and clinical trial practices.

 

What’s Next?

The report's initial findings have encountered industry resistance, with analysts cautioning that pesticide policies might erode public trust in food safety and negatively affect agriculture. Future public health policy changes are expected to meet opposition.

Currently, the report lacks detailed policy changes and cost assessments for chronic illness management. However, it outlines upcoming research initiatives and technology applications. Kennedy announced that the MAHA Commission will create a roadmap and policy recommendations within 100 days, with the strategy expected by August.

Employers should stay informed on research updates. Download the bulletin for more details.

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Mari Wagner

Mari Wagner

The greatest badge of success for Mari Wagner is when her customers reach out and let her know how appreciative they are of her assistance and services. Mari is dependable, driven, committed, and enjoys meeting new people. She finds that NIS has similar values and mindset to her own. As an Employee Benefits Consultant, Mari specializes in a full suite of employee benefits, including health, health spending accounts, dental, vision, life, and disability policies. She works with Minnesota and South Dakota public sector organizations. Mari is a licensed insurance agent with a background in sales, wellness, managing insurance pools, marketing, and consulting. In addition, Mari is also a Commercial Insurance Specialist, collaborating with public sector organizations on their Property & Casualty and Cyber Liability insurance plans. She ensures these organizations are well-protected against potential risks and helps them navigate the complexities of insurance policies.