America is in a national diet crisis. Despite living in an era where more information and resources are available than ever before, the nation’s overall health continues to decline. With nearly six out of ten American adults living with at least one chronic illness, and over 75 percent classified as overweight or obese, the question remains; why are these alarming statistics still rising?
This year, the Trump Administration released the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the opening statement beginning with “to make America healthy again. We must return to the basics.” A pull away from the ultra-processed foods that America has grown accustomed to and a drive towards “nutrient-dense foods.”
What are ultra-processed foods?
The average American diet, based on a 3-year examination by National Center of Health Statistics, shows that “the mean percentage of total calories consumed from ultra-processed foods among those age 1 year and older [is] 55.0%.”
Ultra-processed foods can be defined as products that contain little to no whole food ingredients and are made primarily from industrial formulations. These foods are designed to be convenient, palatable, and shelf stable.
Foods such as processed meats (bacon, hotdogs and deli meats), instant noodles, candy, soda, sugary breakfast cereals, microwaveable dinners and flavored potato chips are some of the most common ultra-processed foods found in the American diet.
Ultra-processed foods- that can typically be detected by long ingredient lists with words most people have never heard of- are filled with added sweeteners, preservatives and colorings. And have been scientifically correlated to increased risks for premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, and sleep problems.
Unhealthy diets aren’t just life-threatening, they’re expensive. Statistics by the CDC show that “nearly 90 percent of America’s health care spending goes to chronic illnesses and mental health conditions” Many of which are strongly influenced by long-term diet and lifestyle choices. Placing an immense burden not only on individuals, but on the healthcare system as a whole.
When the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans call for a “return to the basics,” they are urging a reduction in the roughly 55% of calories Americans currently consume from ultra-processed foods. Just because these products have become a societal norm does not mean they are compatible with long-term health.
Making a change
Diet is one of the most overlooked yet influential factors in modern health. Rather than addressing the root causes of chronic disease, American healthcare often prioritizes treatment over prevention, normalizing the prescription of medication while dietary habits remain unchanged.
Some of the first steps that can be taken to a better diet are fiber-rich, whole foods that support gut health and reduce inflammation. Fiber is one of the most under-consumed nutrients in the American diet, despite its essential role in “digestion, blood sugar regulation, and long-term disease prevention,” an article by the CDC stated.
Incorporating foods such as legumes (lentils, chickpeas, and beans), vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, fruits including berries and apples, and whole grains such as oats and quinoa can significantly improve dietary quality.
Not every factor that influences health is controllable, including genetics, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Diet alone is not a cure-all; however, it is one of the few variables that is controllable. When viewed as a tool for prevention, diet becomes a powerful component of long-term health.
Scientific research consistently demonstrates that diets centered around whole, plant-based foods are associated with improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, lower rates of chronic disease, and increased longevity.
The goal is not to eliminate every unhealthy food from the modern diet; the goal is to start implementing the foods that are missing. Changing the way food is viewed, and following the facts can help begin to rebuild a dietary foundation that “makes America healthy again.”
