Can RFK Jr. Really Transform Public Health in America?
America has long been regarded by its citizens and neighboring countries as a powerful nation. Phrases like “America the Great” and “America the Beautiful” reflect the pride many feel for their country. However, over the past 50 years, this perception has shifted as health has declined. Today, both Americans and the world see the nation in a less flattering light—one burdened by a sick, obese population, a corrupt health system, and a toxic food system.
This view isn’t without merit. The United States is facing an obesity epidemic, with chronic health conditions threatening to overwhelm the nation. Recently, Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. has been making waves with bold promises to transform America’s health. His ambitious plans sound almost too good to be true to many. In this article, we’ll explore RFK Jr.’s vision and what it could mean for the future of the nation’s health.
RFK Sworn Into New Role
RFK Jr. was sworn in as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on February 13th, 2025. The same day that Preseident Trump signed an executive order to Make America Healthy Again. RFK Jr. will now be responsible for overseeing key health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In addition, he will oversee the broader U.S. health sector, which encompasses food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health, and vaccination programs.
Who is Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. comes from a well-known political family. He is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Following in their footsteps, he has dedicated his life to public service, focusing on environmental issues and children’s health.
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading environmental advocates, Kennedy has received honors such as TIME Magazine’s “Hero of the Planet” and the Sartisky Peace Award. His reputation as a strong defender of public health and the environment comes from his success in taking legal action against corporations and municipalities, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Kennedy has founded two major organizations. He established the Waterkeeper Alliance, the world’s largest clean water advocacy group, serving as its chairman and lead attorney. The organization now protects nearly 6 million square miles of waterways with the support of over 300 Waterkeeper groups and a million volunteers across the U.S. and 46 other countries.
RFK Jr. has made significant contributions to environmental and public causes, but how will he address America’s growing health crisis?
American Health Crisis
Republicans and Democrats may disagree on many issues, but one thing is undeniable—America’s health is in crisis.
Data from the 2021–2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that 40.3% of U.S. adults have obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher1. The problem is also growing among children and teens, with nearly 20% of those aged 2 to 19 classified as obese—more than three times the rate recorded in the 1970s2. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher) has risen to 9.4% during the same period.
To put these numbers into perspective, a BMI of 30 translates to about 220 pounds for a person who is 6 feet tall or 185 pounds for someone who is 5 feet 6 inches. Those with severe obesity typically weigh around 300 pounds or more at 6 feet tall or at least 245 pounds at 5 feet 6 inches.
Obesity Crisis Leads to Chronic Health Conditions
Obesity, in any form, often marks the start of a lifelong struggle with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hormone disregulation, osteoarthritis, joint pain, COPD, asthma, sleep apnea, and many more. As body size increases and abdominal fat accumulates, vital organ function begins to deteriorate, leading to serious health complications.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States3. Diabetes ranks as the seventh, followed closely by kidney disease and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis. Currently, 60% of U.S. Adults have at least one chronic disease, while 40% have two or more. As of 2021, 38.4 million Americans of all ages were living with diabetes, and the numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate.
Additionally, only about 12% of Americans are considered metabolically healthy4. The majority of the population has at least one metabolic disorder, such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, or abnormal cholesterol levels5. In addition to these chronic conditions, many Americans are also experiencing worsening mental health, hormonal imbalances, respiratory illness, and an increase in brain-related health issues among children.
America’s health is at an all-time low, and without significant action, the situation will only continue to decline.
Make America Healthy Again
The MAHA Action website6 categorizes America’s health crisis into six key areas.
- Health Conditions in Children
- Chronic Health Conditions
- High Disability Rate
- Increase in Cancer Rate
- Spike in Illness Rate
- Mental Health Crisis
A MAHA political action committee has been established with the goal of transforming the U.S. healthcare system. Its focus includes food safety, nutrition, mental health, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins that threaten public well-being. A key priority for both RFK Jr. and the committee is addressing chronic disease through preventive care rather than just managing illnesses after they have developed or as they are worsening.
During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy emphasized that he would prioritize tackling chronic diseases. He also plans to ban harmful chemicals in the food system that contribute to long-term health issues, aiming to restore health for future generations. Additionally, he seeks to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and reform a system that profits from chronic illness.
Beyond physical health, Kennedy is committed to addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis, aiming to reduce reliance on medications. He also advocates for stronger food safety regulations, lowering environmental toxin exposure, and promoting healthier eating habits across the nation.
Can RFK Jr. Really Transform Public Health in America?
Americans are desperate for a healthier nation, but real change requires action from government leaders. RFK Jr. has captured the attention of many with his long-awaited health-focused initiatives, bold proposals, and determination to address the issues citizens have been urging the government to tackle for decades.
Only time will tell if RFK Jr. can succeed in restoring America’s health. It is an enormous challenge with significant obstacles. However, he presents a fresh perspective—one tied to a vision of a healthier nation, innovative ideas, and a determined spirit that could shake up the country’s current health landscape.
Supporting Research
- New National Adult Obesity Data Show Level Trend. Trust for America’s Health TFAH. (2024, October 10). https://www.tfah.org/story/new-national-adult-obesity-data-show-level-trend/#:~:text=Newly%20released%20National%20Health%20and%20Nutrition%20Examination,slightly%20lower%20than%20the%20previous%20data%20(2017%E2%80%932020).
↩︎ - State of obesity 2024: Better Policies for a healthier America. Trust for American’s Health (TFAH). (2024, September 13). https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2024/ ↩︎
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 24). Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html ↩︎
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 24). About chronic diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html ↩︎
- Human Health Co. (2025b, November 25). Triglycerides: The Unspoken Biomarker of True Health. https://humanhealthco.com/triglycerides-the-unspoken-biomarker-of-true-health/ ↩︎
- Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) PAC: Official Site. Make America Healthy Again. (n.d.). https://www.mahaaction.com/ ↩︎
