Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

RFK Jr. Blames Big Tobacco for America’s Ultra-Processed Food Crisis

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Big <span>Tobacco</span> for manufacturing bad, ultra-processed addictive food which has contributed to the country's rising rates of <span>obesity</span>, chronic disease and left many Americans “poisoned”.

In an interview with 77 <span>WABC</span> radio, the Health and Human Secretary claimed that tobacco companies, such as Philip Morris USA, a subsidiary of Altria, had purposely bought food companies and began using scientific techniques to increase consumption in order to escape backlash from cigarette use. 

“They saw the regulatory headwinds and litigation headed their way … So, they decided to diversify. And how did they do that? They bought the food companies.

“By 1995, the two biggest food companies in the world were Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds. They moved all of these thousands of scientists who were for years making tobacco more addictive, and they moved them to figure out ways to make food addictive,” <span>RFK Jr</span>. told host John Catsimatidis.

The Make America Healthy Again leader explained that the country's major tobacco companies had designed and created foods that were chemically engineered to taste good while offering little to no nutritional value, saying this pattern helped fuel overeating and worsened health. 

“They used chemicals and softeners to hijack our brains … The food tastes good. It smells good. But it has no nutrition, so it doesn’t fill you up, so you keep stuffing your pie hole all day. That’s what makes Americans obese.

“It’s not because Americans suddenly got lazy or indolent or hungry,” he added. “It’s because they were poisoned. Their minds were deliberately addicted to eat poison all day long. And we are going to end that now with this administration.”

Tobacco giants such as Philip Morris owns Kraft Foods and General Foods and R.J. Reynolds owns Del Monte Foods and Nabisco. Combined, these companies produce Kraft Macaroni &amp; Cheese, Oreo cookies, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Hawaiian Punch, Chips Ahoy! cookies, Lunchables, Triscuit and Ritz crackers, Oscar Mayer hot dogs.  

<h2>Does US Have High Obesity Rates?</h2><h5></h5>

Around the same time tobacco companies began to produce fast food food, rates of obesity and the subsequent increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes across age groups jumped across the US.

<span>CDC</span> data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7 percent of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7 percent were between ages 2–5, 20.7 percent were 6–11, and 22.2 percent were 12–19.

Dr <span>Vivek Jain</span>, Senior Director &amp; Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors which primarily include unhealthy diets.

<strong>READ MORE:</strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/diet-not-lack-of-exercise-is-the-real-reason-for-rise-in-obesity-according-to-study-article-153059198" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity</a> 

While are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.

<h2>How To Prevent Childhood Obesity</h2>

Prevention needs a joint effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. Parents play the most important role, as they shape habits from an early age. Dr. Vivek suggests:

<ul><li>Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.</li><li>Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.</li><li>Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.</li><li>Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.</li><li>School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.</li></ul>

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Big Tobacco for manufacturing bad, ultra-processed addictive food which has contributed to the country's rising rates of obesity, chronic disease and left many Americans “poisoned”.In an interview with 77 WABC radio, the Health and Human Secretary claimed that tobacco companies, such as Philip Morris USA, a subsidiary of Altria, had purposely bought food companies and began using scientific techniques to increase consumption in order to escape backlash from cigarette use. “They saw the regulatory headwinds and litigation headed their way … So, they decided to diversify. And how did they do that? They bought the food companies.“By 1995, the two biggest food companies in the world were Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds. They moved all of these thousands of scientists who were for years making tobacco more addictive, and they moved them to figure out ways to make food addictive,” RFK Jr. told host John Catsimatidis.What Did Big Tobacco Do?The Make America Healthy Again leader explained that the country's major tobacco companies had designed and created foods that were chemically engineered to taste good while offering little to no nutritional value, saying this pattern helped fuel overeating and worsened health. “They used chemicals and softeners to hijack our brains … The food tastes good. It smells good. But it has no nutrition, so it doesn’t fill you up, so you keep stuffing your pie hole all day. That’s what makes Americans obese.“It’s not because Americans suddenly got lazy or indolent or hungry,” he added. “It’s because they were poisoned. Their minds were deliberately addicted to eat poison all day long. And we are going to end that now with this administration.”Tobacco giants such as Philip Morris owns Kraft Foods and General Foods and R.J. Reynolds owns Del Monte Foods and Nabisco. Combined, these companies produce Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Oreo cookies, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Hawaiian Punch, Chips Ahoy! cookies, Lunchables, Triscuit and Ritz crackers, Oscar Mayer hot dogs.  Does US Have High Obesity Rates?Around the same time tobacco companies began to produce fast food food, rates of obesity and the subsequent increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes across age groups jumped across the US.CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7 percent of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7 percent were between ages 2–5, 20.7 percent were 6–11, and 22.2 percent were 12–19.Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors which primarily include unhealthy diets.READ MORE: Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity While are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.How To Prevent Childhood ObesityPrevention needs a joint effort from families, schools, communities, and policymakers. Parents play the most important role, as they shape habits from an early age. Dr. Vivek suggests:Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.