From Big Macs to Battlegrounds: Addressing America’s Health Crisis
Kathleen Gage
??? ??Podcast Host & Producer - Plant Based Eating for Health - Visibility & Marketing Consultant & Strategist for Vegan and Plant Based Experts, Businesses and Organizations.
If Donald Trump’s favorite meal is a Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and a small chocolate shake at McDonald’s—a fast-food giant known as one of the unhealthiest places to eat—will he take the lead in promoting healthier choices by giving it up? This question becomes especially relevant as Trump appoints Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services under the banner of their joint slogan: “Make America Healthy Again.”
While debates rage about polarizing topics like women in combat, the real issue threatening America’s readiness lies elsewhere: 77% of young people are ineligible for military service due to obesity and other health-related issues.
Rather than relying on smoke and mirrors, it’s time to address the root cause of this crisis. To truly make America healthy, we must overhaul the food system and eliminate the dominance of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
The Real Health Crisis: Military Readiness in Decline
Over three-quarters of young Americans can’t qualify for military service, not because of a lack of willingness but due to poor health. Obesity, fueled by nutrient-poor diets heavy in UPFs, is the leading factor.
This is not just a national security issue; it’s a public health emergency. The impact of an unhealthy population extends far beyond military readiness, affecting productivity, healthcare costs, and the overall well-being of society.
Our Children Are Struggling—And So Is Their Nutrition
The health crisis isn’t limited to adults. Children across the U.S. face rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related conditions. Poor nutrition doesn’t just affect physical health; it also impacts brain function, concentration, and academic performance.
When children struggle in school, it’s often attributed to external factors like socioeconomic challenges. While these are valid, we can’t ignore the role of nutrition. A steady diet of UPFs leaves kids overfed but undernourished, unable to perform at their best in the classroom or in life.
The Broken Food System: A House of Cards
At the root of these problems is a food system built on a shaky foundation. UPFs dominate the market because they’re cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed—often at the expense of public health. Agricultural subsidies, corporate lobbying, and profit-driven food production perpetuate the cycle.
Appointing RFK to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services is unlikely to solve this deeply ingrained problem. The real solution requires dismantling the structures that profit from an unhealthy society, from the corporations churning out UPFs to the industries benefitting from diet-related illnesses.
The Truth Behind the Lies
To “Make America Healthy Again,” we need more than slogans. We need to confront the lies and propaganda that keep the status quo in place. This means exposing the financial interests that prioritize profits over people and addressing the reality of how deeply these issues are rooted in our society.
It’s not just about improving individual habits or making healthier food available—it’s about breaking down an entire system built to benefit a few at the expense of many.
Are We Being Fed a Load of Ultra-Processed Propaganda?
So, are we being fed a load of ultra-processed propaganda, or is there a real plan to make healthy, accessible food available to all levels of society?
The truth is, the solution isn’t simple. Our health system is built on a house of cards, and appointing RFK is hardly going to fix the problem. The real path forward lies in digging deep into the lies, propaganda, and financial motives of people and institutions benefitting from an unhealthy society. Only by addressing these truths can we begin to repair the damage and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Without this bold, systemic change, the vision of a healthy America remains as hollow as a fast-food bun.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.
Learn more about Kathleen at https://www.kathleengage.com