FDA Commissioner Marty Makary advocates for a fundamental transformation in the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing prevention over treatment. This stance follows the release of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, commissioned by President Donald Trump and led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The report identifies key contributors to the rise in chronic diseases among American children, including poor diet, environmental toxins, lack of physical activity, and overmedicalization.
Makary criticizes the current healthcare model for its focus on treatment and billing, stating that the system has neglected the root causes of health issues. He highlights the need to address factors such as ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and sedentary lifestyles. “We have got to stop and ask ourselves, should we be focusing more on school lunch programs, not just putting every kid on Ozempic?” Makary remarked. He also suggests that lifestyle interventions, like cooking classes, could be more effective in managing conditions like diabetes than solely relying on medication.
The MAHA report reveals alarming statistics: over 40% of American children have at least one chronic health condition, with significant increases in obesity, diabetes, autism, and other disorders since the 1970s. The report attributes these trends to dietary habits dominated by ultra-processed foods, exposure to harmful chemicals, and a healthcare system that prioritizes medication over preventive care.
Makary emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues at their source, advocating for a healthcare approach that prioritizes prevention and overall well-being. He calls for a reevaluation of current practices, including the role of the FDA in regulating food and environmental factors that impact health. “This report talks about how we fix our broken health care system by getting at the root causes,” Makary stated, underscoring the need for systemic change.
