The Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) has released its first major publication, The MAHA Report: Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, outlining the primary drivers of a growing childhood chronic disease epidemic in the United States. The report, described as a national “call to action,” follows the February 2025 Executive Order establishing the Commission and highlights four key contributors to the crisis:
- Poor diet and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
- Exposure to environmental chemicals
- Physical inactivity and chronic stress
- Overmedicalization of children
Ultra-Processed Foods at the Center of the Crisis
According to the report, nearly 70% of children’s calories now come from UPFs—packaged, ready-to-eat products designed for shelf life and palatability but typically high in added sugars, refined grains, unhealthy fats, and sodium, and low in essential nutrients and fiber. The assessment links high UPF consumption to rising rates of obesity, insulin resistance, and other chronic health conditions in children.
The report also raises concern over various food additives it identifies as “of potential concern,” including red 40, titanium dioxide, propylparaben, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. While some of these additives are already under FDA review, the Commission calls for broader scrutiny and independent studies to evaluate long-term health impacts on children.
In addition, the report critiques current federal dietary policies and programs. It argues that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans fail to directly address UPF consumption and that federal nutrition programs, such as SNAP, may inadvertently contribute to poor dietary outcomes for children from low-income households. It recommends significant investment in updated nutrition research and a reevaluation of common food additives and seed oils.
Environmental Exposures and Chemical Risks
The assessment points to mounting evidence that children’s exposure to environmental chemicals—including pesticides, microplastics, PFAS, bisphenols, phthalates, and dioxins—may contribute to chronic disease development. The report recommends clinical studies to better understand the long-term effects of these exposures, particularly through NIH-led initiatives.
However, it stops short of recommending immediate restrictions on pesticides and herbicides, citing the importance of agricultural productivity and the need for science-based risk assessments.
Physical Inactivity and Chronic Stress
Lack of physical activity, increased screen time, poor sleep hygiene, and rising levels of psychological stress are also cited as major contributors to chronic illness in children. These lifestyle-related factors are said to have both physical and mental health impacts, correlating with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
Overmedicalization of Children
The report raises concerns about the increasing use of medications to manage psychological and metabolic conditions in children, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, and GLP-1 agonists. It calls for expanded clinical trials to better understand the long-term health implications of these drugs and increased post-marketing surveillance.
The Commission also advocates for more transparent and rigorous research into vaccine safety as part of a broader effort to ensure that medical interventions do not inadvertently contribute to chronic health issues.
Strategy Development Underway
The Commission is now tasked with delivering a federal strategy by August 2025 to address the systemic issues raised in the assessment. Key initiatives expected to be included are:
- Post-Marketing Surveillance: Real-world monitoring of pediatric drug safety and independent replication of industry-sponsored studies.
- AI-Powered Surveillance: Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect early signals of harmful exposures and disease trends.
- GRAS Oversight Reform: Independent evaluations of self-affirmed GRAS ingredients with a focus on childhood risk.
- Nutrition Trials: Long-term NIH-funded studies comparing various dietary patterns in children.
- Precision Toxicology: National research initiatives to investigate gene–environment interactions in chronic disease development.
Widespread Impact Expected
The report is expected to influence regulatory changes and legislative proposals at both federal and state levels. It is also prompting early responses from industries involved in food production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Legal experts anticipate the findings may reshape the regulatory environment and trigger increased litigation and compliance requirements.
The full report is available where stakeholders can track updates on the forthcoming strategy and participate in related public consultations.
More information
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MAHA-Report-The-White-House.pdf
