In a recent public address, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voiced strong criticism of the prevalent use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic in the United States, labeling the nation as overly dependent on these medications.

Kennedy argues that the funds spent on such drugs could be redirected toward promoting healthier eating habits and thereby addressing obesity's root causes, as the Daily Mail reports.

Donald Trump's Health and Human Services nominee expressed concern that Americans are becoming "addicted" to these medications, with over 9 million prescriptions written annually.

The costs of these prescriptions can soar as high as $1,600 per month. With a new congressional bill aimed at making Ozempic available to all overweight Americans, expenses could reportedly skyrocket to $3 trillion per year.

Proposing an Alternative to Weight-Loss Drugs

Kennedy suggested that redirecting just one-fifth of this expenditure could provide three nutritious meals daily to every American. He claims this approach could effectively address the obesity and diabetes crises without reliance on costly drugs. According to Kennedy, these issues could be "solved overnight" with proper investment in healthy eating.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 74% of the U.S. population is either overweight or obese.

This figure is the highest ever recorded, reflecting a growing concern about the nation’s health. Various studies have also reported that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy promote weight loss of one to two pounds weekly, but there are concerns over muscle mass being lost alongside fat.

Kennedy referenced Denmark's approach to managing obesity and diabetes, stating that these drugs are not recommended for these conditions there.

Instead, the country emphasizes dietary and lifestyle changes. While the drugs have limited approvals for specific uses in Denmark, they account for far fewer prescriptions than in the U.S.

Critics Weigh in

Kennedy claimed that the production company Novo Nordisk is capitalizing on American demand, arguing that Americans are reliant on such medications. He referred to this dependency as a hallmark of a "stupid" addiction to pharmaceuticals, pointing out a need for reevaluation of current health strategies.

Some of Kennedy’s remarks have sparked backlash among medical professionals and public health experts. Dr. Michael Osterholm, a prominent figure in the medical community, has criticized Kennedy's statements, describing them as lacking substance.

Dr. Osterholm expressed frustration over Kennedy’s seemingly authoritative tone, despite what he views as a lack of credible evidence. He likened trying to understand Kennedy’s messages to an impossible task.

Additionally, a recent study cited a potential new benefit of Ozempic in reducing alcohol abuse risk by 50%. Kennedy, however, dismissed this finding, expressing skepticism and questioning the study's methodology.

Controversy Surrounding Kennedy’s Statements

Despite Kennedy's criticisms, some evidence supports the benefits of these medications. A trial involving 17,000 patients indicated that Wegovy could decrease the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths by 20% for users compared to non-users. Despite this, the Food and Drug Administration, alongside the European Medicines Agency, continues to monitor concerns regarding potential psychological side effects, although no definitive links have been established.

Doctors recommend that individuals using weight-loss drugs also maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle to maximize benefits and reduce muscle mass loss. They warn that neglecting these factors could lead to regained weight after discontinuing the drug.

In line with his critique of pharmaceuticals, Kennedy’s "Make America Healthy Again" campaign focuses on eliminating processed foods from schools and banning additives, such as certain dyes linked to hyperactivity. This initiative reflects his broader stance on enhancing public health through preventive measures rather than reliance on medications.

Mixed Evidence and Ongoing Debates

Kennedy continues to push for conversation about the nation's health priorities, emphasizing prevention and healthier living as the key to overcoming the obesity epidemic.

As the debate unfolds, the effects of weight-loss drugs on both individual health and the healthcare system remain a contentious topic.