Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels raises the alarm on America's "horrifying" health crisis, demanding systemic change to combat chronic diseases fueled by ultra-processed foods.
Jillian Michaels, renowned fitness expert and health advocate, has sounded the alarm on America's alarming health crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change to address the root causes of chronic diseases. She warns that the prevalence of ultra-processed, chemical-laden foods is exacerbating obesity rates and contributing to a surge in early-onset cancers.
Michaels testified before Congress earlier this week, condemning food companies for promoting these unhealthy products, which are often marketed to children despite their links to obesity and chronic diseases. She stressed that consumers are facing obstacles in making healthier choices due to the proliferation of these inexpensive and calorie-dense foods.
Jillian Michaels' Urgent Call for Action: Addressing America's Health Crisis
The crisis is evident in the alarming statistics, as Michaels points out. One in 30 children is now diagnosed with autism, and early-onset cancer diagnoses have skyrocketed by 79% in the past three decades. She highlights that the health of Americans is being compromised, and it is time for immediate action.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health further supports Michaels' concerns, revealing that certain types of cancers are becoming more prevalent among younger generations, including millennials and Gen X. The study indicates higher rates of small intestine, kidney, and pancreatic cancers among those born in 1990 compared to those born in 1955.
Jillian Michaels' Urgent Call for Action: Addressing America's Health Crisis
Michaels believes that Americans are ready for change, as they have witnessed the devastating impact of chronic diseases firsthand. She calls out partisan media outlets for politicizing health issues, emphasizing that it is a human issue that should not be used to divide.
Despite the high cost of living, Michaels assures that there are ways for families to access healthier foods by buying locally and prioritizing organic options for dairy, beef, and thin-skinned fruits and vegetables. She also suggests considering the "clean 15," a list of affordable fruits and vegetables that are naturally low in pesticides.
Jillian Michaels' Urgent Call for Action: Addressing America's Health Crisis
Michaels questions the high cost of prescription drugs like Ozempic, highlighting that the same resources could be used to provide access to nutritious food. She argues that the government should prioritize health promotion over expensive treatments.
Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, which is inextricably linked to the health crisis. Michaels emphasizes that despite the dismal statistics, she remains hopeful that positive change is possible if Americans continue to demand accountability from politicians and food companies.
Jillian Michaels' Urgent Call for Action: Addressing America's Health Crisis
Michaels urges collective action, encouraging Americans to raise their voices and demand healthier options from food companies. She believes that holding politicians accountable and highlighting instances of wrongdoing will drive positive change.
Michaels concludes with a message of resilience, emphasizing that through persistent effort, Americans can overcome the challenges posed by the health crisis and work towards a healthier future. She encourages continued advocacy and collaboration to address the systemic issues that perpetuate chronic diseases in the United States.
