Revamping America's Health System: Five Straightforward Policies

Introduction

Calley Means, a former consultant for prominent food and pharmaceutical corporations and founder of TrueMed, has proposed five straightforward policies that the federal government could enact to rectify the flawed health system that has contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States.

Obesity Crisis in the US

Means begins by juxtaposing the childhood obesity rates in the United States, which exceed 20%, with those in Japan, a mere 4%. He points out that half of American teenagers are overweight or obese, a statistic that poses a national security risk, particularly if a large-scale conflict were to erupt in Eastern Europe or the Middle East.

Lack of Government Intervention

What's alarming is the lack of simple lifestyle changes suggested by the federal government or Capitol Hill politicians to address this crisis. Instead, the proposed solution is to deplete America's Medicare program through the use of expensive weight loss drugs produced by pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk.

Five Policies to Reset the Health System

Means describes the health system as "rigged" and proposes five straightforward policies that have caught the attention of America's billionaires:

1. Ban TV Pharma Ads

The United States and New Zealand are the only countries that permit pharmaceutical advertisements. Pharma money constitutes 55% of TV news spending, not to influence consumers, but to sway the news itself. The President could instruct the FDA Office of Prescription Drug Promotion to ban pharma ads.

2. Eliminate Soda from SNAP (food stamps)

It's troubling that 10% of all SNAP funding is spent on sugary drinks, which contribute to a third of teenagers developing pre-diabetes. The President could issue an executive order stating that government money should not subsidize harmful, addictive substances for children.

3. Dismiss the Corrupt USDA Nutrition Panel

95% of the USDA panel that formulates nutrition policy is funded by food companies. This panel recommends that 10% of a 2-year-old's diet can be added sugar. The President could dismiss this panel and demand unbiased guidelines.

4. Prevent Conflicts of Interest among NIH Researchers

Currently, there are no conflict-of-interest restrictions at the NIH, and 8,000 researchers have significant conflicts. This is why 40 times more money is spent on managing cancer than preventing it - prevention doesn't generate profit for pharma. This could be changed.

5. Reform Agricultural Subsidies

Presently, the federal government subsidizes tobacco more than vegetables. 90% of agricultural subsidies go to the components of ultra-processed food (corn, soy, wheat), skewing incentives for farmers. These subsidies are implemented by the Ag Department.

High-Profile Support

Figures like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have taken note of these proposed policies. Means further stated that Japan's childhood obesity rate is five times lower because they address the root cause.

Conclusion

Means has been vocal about the need to stop poisoning our children with unhealthy food, rather than resorting to government-funded drugs. Now, more than ever, Americans need to liberate themselves from the food-industrial complex and big pharma or face premature death. As we conclude this discussion, it's crucial to ponder over the state of our health system. What are your thoughts on these proposed policies? Do you think they could bring about a significant change? Share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.