If someone like a traditional secretary were pushing a slogan like “Make America Healthy Again,” we might think it’s a genuine attempt to inspire healthier habits. But Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a different character altogether. After living an unhealthy lifestyle for years, he now wants to implement government measures to ensure the rest of us are healthier.
Kennedy has made a number of controversial claims regarding health that have garnered significant media attention. He claims to “follow science” but seems to dismiss established scientific understanding on various health issues. Yet, in light of questionable guidance from figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans seem to be more receptive to contradictions.
In April, Kennedy asserted that the CDC would no longer stop recommending certain actions to the public. He previously remarked that “fluoride is an industrial waste linked to arthritis, fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid issues.”
It’s worth noting that local and state governments, rather than federal, ultimately determine fluoridation policies. Research shows that about 73% of those using public water systems consume fluoridated water. However, Kennedy is in a position to exert influence here. Following Utah’s decision to become the first state to ban fluoride, he commended local legislative leaders, expressing pride and hoping for more states to follow.
Contrarily, the dental community has a different viewpoint. According to the American Dental Association, 82% of dentists are firmly in favor of water fluoridation, with another 10% showing slight support, particularly when done at recommended levels. Even with the prevalent use of fluoride toothpaste, its safety is well-established.
Fluoridation was introduced in Israel in 1981 but halted in 2014. A study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found a notable uptick in dental treatments occurring after fluoridation was implemented. The study suggested that community fluoridation could have beneficial effects.
Kennedy has also faced backlash for his leadership in the vaccine opposition movement, particularly during the current measles outbreak in Texas. The Texas Department of Health has reported 683 confirmed cases, with a significant number being unvaccinated individuals, leading to hospitalizations and fatalities.
Most physicians stand in opposition to Kennedy’s views. Research from Texas A&M uncovered that 88% of primary care doctors believe vaccines are generally safe, while a similar percentage acknowledges their effectiveness and necessity.
With a strong majority of medical professionals supporting vaccination and health measures, those opposing such science face substantial challenges.
Addressing obesity should also be a priority if we genuinely wish to “make America healthy again.” A recent study highlighted that nearly three-quarters of American adults are overweight or obese, leading to a variety of serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
The crux of the matter isn’t just about diet; it revolves around caloric intake. The average American burns about 3,914 calories daily, whereas recommended intakes sit around 2,200 calories for women and 2,800 for men, depending on various factors. Hence, a significant number of people face weight-related health issues.
Kennedy could propose bans on certain food dyes, yet as long as Americans persist in consuming nearly double the advised calorie amounts, the underlying health crises remain unaddressed. Is he truly considering using government authority to enforce dietary changes?
Previous attempts at regulating food, like New York City’s proposed ban on large sugary drinks back in 2012, faced overwhelming public disapproval, with 69% of those surveyed opposing the measure.
Removing unhealthy food options from welfare benefits could be a necessary step, with taxpayers shouldn’t bearing the cost of poor dietary choices. But this raises questions about the fine line between government intervention and personal responsibility.
How far Kennedy will go in using government to impose his unconventional views remains unclear. However, a shift from guidance to mandates would likely face significant public resistance.
Meryl Matthews is a public policy analyst and co-author of “On The Edge: America Faces the Cliff of Qualifications.”
