Overview

• The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released its first report diagnosing the causes of rising chronic diseases in children across the U.S.
• Four primary contributors were identified: ultra-processed foods, environmental chemical exposure, lack of physical activity, and over-medicalization, with supporting evidence from large-scale studies.
• The report outlines ten research priorities for federal agencies, including studies on food safety, vaccine impacts, and the influence of environmental toxins on childhood health.
• The findings have drawn criticism from farmers, food manufacturers, and some lawmakers concerned about potential regulatory changes, particularly regarding pesticides.
• The administration plans to develop specific policy recommendations within the next 100 days, though no budget has been allocated to support these initiatives yet.