The land of junk food is in the midst of a revolution. In the United States, 75% of adults are overweight or obese and that’s almost 40% of children. In other words, a real epidemic of obesity. 75% of adults have a chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.). The treatment of these chronic diseases represents 90…
The land of junk food is in the midst of a revolution. In the United States, 75% of adults are overweight or obese and that’s almost 40% of children. In other words, a real epidemic of obesity. 75% of adults have a chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.). The treatment of these chronic diseases represents 90% of American health spending! The Minister of Health, Robert Kennedy Jr, is taking the bull by the horns to fight this scourge. He announced the new 2025-2030 nutritional guidelines on realfood.gov in early January.
In the United States, 75% of adults are overweight or obese and that’s almost 40% of children.
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Obesity that begins in the 70s
Let’s first look back at the history of obesity in the United States. It began in the 1970s when corn and soybean production increased sharply. Manufacturers, thanks to new technologies, are then able to replace sugar with corn syrup and fats with hydrogenated palm oil. In the 80s and 90s, processed products were increasingly consumed, fast foods were over-represented, and sedentary lifestyles exploded. You know the rest. The old food pyramid (1992-2025) had starchy foods at its base (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.), followed by vegetables and fruits. Proteins (meat, fish) and low-fat dairy products came at the top. At the top, sugars and fats. More than half of the calories we eat come from ultra-processed foods. The results of this campaign are a steady increase in obesity. Children are affected earlier and earlier.
A 180° turn
The new recommendations advocate a 180° turn with a trend towards a low-carb/keto diet. Stop ultra-processed foods, welcome to raw and fresh “real food”. This new pyramid gives priority to quality animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs). It rehabilitates healthy and above all natural fats. Yes to butter, beef fat, avocado, oilseeds and olive oil. No to margarines and low-fat products. She encourages the consumption of full-fat dairy products. Vegetables are of course recommended in large quantities. As for fruit, it’s 2 servings per day but no juice. Whole grains (i.e. complete) are relegated to small quantities and ultimately not required at all meals. Sugar and sweeteners have no place. As for drinks, only water is essential. Alcohol should be limited. These recommendations apply now in schools, armies and retirement homes.
50% of the French population is overweight
Why could France take inspiration from this new American paradigm? In 2024, a study estimates that almost 50% of the French population will be overweight. The latter affects all ages but this increase is clearly more marked among 18-25 year olds. Almost 40% of those over 16 are affected by a chronic illness. 80% of food products available in the supermarket are said to be ultra-processed. The various national campaigns (PNNS) are not succeeding, just like across the Atlantic, in reducing the prevalence of overweight. Should we wait until we are all sick to reverse the trend?
Anaïs Taqourt is a dietitian nutritionist in Morlaàs (13 rue Etienne Lenoir). Such. 06 83 65 52 09.
Site web : https://www.dieteticienne-nutritionniste-pau.fr/
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