Former Bush administration doctor disputes RFK Jr.'s claim about health in the US

Jonathan Reiner, former cardiologist to Vice President Dick Cheney, challenged RFK Jr.'s assertion that Americans are the sickest population on the planet. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. made the claim during an appearance on Theo Von's podcast, attributing America's health crisis to ultra-processed foods and government misinformation about disease. He cited statistics showing childhood obesity increasing from one in five to 40 percent overweight, with 70 percent of children's food being ultra-processed. RFK Jr. also said the federal government spends $4.3 trillion annually on chronic disease treatment, accounting for 40 cents of every tax dollar. Reiner disagreed with RFK Jr.'s characterization, writing that while Americans could improve health through better eating and vaccination, calling them the world's sickest population is inaccurate.

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