Nutrition Expert Challenges HHS Health Campaign, Advocates for Systemic Policy Changes

Washington D.C. - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently unveiled its 'Take Back Your Health' campaign, a multi-million dollar initiative aimed at reducing diabetes risk by encouraging Americans to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods and embrace health wearables. The campaign, estimated to cost between $10-20 million, seeks to use 'bold, edgy national campaigns with innovative messaging' to inspire behavioral shifts.However, Dr. Jess, a PhD and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, has voiced strong criticism of the HHS approach. In a recent video, Dr. Jess argued that the campaign's focus on individual responsibility, such as advising people to 'stop eating ultra-processed food' and to view 'health wearables as cool,' overlooks fundamental systemic issues contributing to poor health outcomes.'This is, and always has been, MAHA’s approach to health,' Dr. Jess stated, referring to what she describes as a focus on personal responsibility while ignoring broader societal factors. She highlighted that millions of Americans struggle to afford groceries, live in 'food deserts' without easy access to fresh food, and are impacted by a 'deregulated capitalist economy' that prioritizes corporate profits over public health.Dr. Jess announced her intention to submit a counter-proposal to the HHS by the June 26 deadline, advocating for a 'truthful and transformative campaign that centers policy, not personal shame.' Her proposed solutions include reframing health as being about 'environments, access, and equity,' demanding corporate accountability, expanding programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals, reforming agricultural subsidies, investing in public health agencies, tackling food deserts through infrastructure and grocery incentives, and addressing income inequality.'If they cared about improving health, they’d focus on the system that is set up for Americans to fail,' Dr. Jess asserted. She emphasized that true health improvement requires addressing the root causes within the food supply and economic systems, rather than solely relying on individual choices or technological solutions.