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Chronic diseases are increasingly affecting Americans, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. labeling the situation an epidemic. The MAHA Commission, chaired by Kennedy, released a report detailing the impact of chronic illnesses, particularly among children.
According to the American Hospital Association, around 133 million Americans suffer from at least one chronic illness.
The findings of this report emphasize a growing crisis that many have long overlooked, including the alarming rates of obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, developmental issues, and mental health challenges. Kelly McKenna, CEO of End Chronic Disease, remarked during the report’s release at the White House that these issues demand immediate attention.
McKenna stated, “Despite spending significantly more on healthcare than other developed countries, Americans are living shorter and sicker lives. The MAHA agenda addresses this urgent disconnect in our healthcare system.”
She also pointed to a rising awareness among Americans regarding the factors contributing to chronic diseases. Elements such as ultraprocessed foods, environmental toxins, stress, and inadequate sleep are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to health issues, prompting calls for bipartisan action.
Andy Tanner, D.O., a family medicine physician from West Virginia, echoed these sentiments, noting a noticeable increase in chronic illnesses among his patients. He described his state as the oldest and heaviest in the nation, pointing to the rising prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity as a concerning trifecta.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38.4 million Americans lived with diabetes in 2021. Excessive sugar consumption leads to symptoms like fatigue, blurry vision, and excessive thirst, which Tanner works to manage through dietary changes.
He expressed frustration about the difficulty of making healthy food choices, given the scarcity of nutritious options. “We are surrounded by unhealthy food choices,” he said. “It’s a challenge for everyone to make good dietary decisions.”
Tanner highlighted that diabetes is often mischaracterized as merely a sugar disease. As the condition progresses, it can have serious vascular implications, potentially resulting in coronary disease or strokes.
Worryingly, he is witnessing an alarming trend: younger individuals are being diagnosed with diabetes at increasingly higher rates. The MAHA report indicates that over 350,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes, with prevalence exceeding one in four among teenagers.
The link between diabetes and obesity cannot be overstated, as Tanner points out that obesity often accompanies poor dietary habits characterized by high consumption of ultraprocessed foods. This type of food now makes up nearly 70% of the caloric intake among American children.
Obesity frequently leads to additional chronic illnesses, including hypertension. Tanner reported that many patients showing signs of hypertension arrive with symptoms such as fatigue and blurred vision, which can indicate severe underlying health issues like strokes or heart attacks.
Hypertension, often referred to as the silent killer, poses a threat because many individuals remain unaware of their condition. The early intervention is key for those affected, and Tanner emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity and a healthy diet as foundational steps toward better health.
“Diet and exercise are crucial elements for managing chronic illness,” he said. “Yet, it can prove challenging for patients to incorporate these changes into their lifestyles.”
The challenge often lies in the difficulty of preparing healthy meals at home, leading many to choose convenient but unhealthy options instead.
Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and CEO of BrainMD in Los Angeles, also attended the MAHA report unveiling. He shared insights on how chronic illness negatively impacts mental health, contributing to elevated stress levels, inhibiting sleep, and fostering inflammation, which may trigger anxiety and depression.
Amen stressed the correlation between physical health and mental well-being. He advised focusing on nourishing foods that support brain health, emphasizing that these selections should be both enjoyable and beneficial.
McKenna highlighted that the findings from the MAHA Commission support the need for preventative health measures. “Improving nutrition, ensuring cleaner food systems, and promoting transparency in our food supply are urgent priorities for safeguarding our children’s health and, by extension, our nation’s future,” she stated.
As the data from the MAHA report continues to shed light on the alarming trends in chronic illnesses, experts like Tanner and Amen advocate for a renewed commitment to addressing these health challenges through better nutrition and lifestyle choices. This multi-faceted approach may hold the key to reducing the burden of chronic diseases among Americans.
