MAHA Report May 22, 2025 Presidential Commission Make Our Children Healthy Again
Segment #449
The "MAHA Report" you're likely referring to is the "Make Our Children Healthy Again" assessment, released on May 22, 2025, by the Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA).1 This commission was established by President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14212 in February 2025.2
Here are the key takeaways from the MAHA Report, May 2025:
Focus on Childhood Chronic Disease: The report highlights an escalating crisis of chronic diseases among American children, including obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD.3
Four Primary Drivers Identified: The report identifies four main factors contributing to this crisis:4
Poor Diet: Emphasizes the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in American diets, leading to nutrient depletion and increased consumption of sugars and carbohydrates.5
Cumulative Chemical Exposures: Raises concerns about children's exposure to a wide range of synthetic chemicals (e.g., heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, microplastics, phthalates, bisphenols) and argues that current regulatory assessments often fail to account for the synergistic effects of multiple exposures.6
Lack of Physical Activity and Chronic Stress: Points to unprecedented levels of inactivity, screen use, sleep deprivation, and chronic stress among American children.7
Overmedicalization: Suggests a concerning trend of overprescribing medications to children, with questions raised about the long-term impact of drugs like antidepressants, ADHD stimulants, weight loss drugs, antibiotics, and acid suppressants.8 It also critiques the growth of the childhood vaccine schedule and federal vaccine safety monitoring.9
Call for Government-Led Strategy: The report serves as a "call to action" for a whole-of-government strategy, led by the MAHA Commission, to address these root causes.10 It advocates for redirecting policy towards prevention, food quality, environmental safety, and independent scientific research free from corporate influence.
No Immediate Policy Recommendations: While the report outlines the identified drivers, it does not present specific policy recommendations. A subsequent report in August 2025 is expected to detail the "Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy."
Controversy and Criticism: The report has drawn controversy and criticism, particularly regarding its scrutiny of vaccines and its discussion of pesticides like glyphosate.11 Some experts question its scientific basis and selective use of data, and farm groups have criticized its comments on agricultural chemicals.12
In summary, the MAHA Report of May 2025 is an assessment by a presidential commission, outlining what it identifies as the key drivers of a childhood chronic disease crisis in the U.S., emphasizing diet, chemical exposure, lifestyle, and medical interventions, and calling for a comprehensive government response.13