The US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced that he's ending the "war on protein", a notion that never existed in the first place. This claim comes as part of the federal government's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, which now prioritize protein at every meal. The guidelines have been met with both praise and criticism from experts and health organizations.
While some see the recommendations as a step forward, others argue that they contradict scientific consensus on saturated fats. For instance, the advice to consume full-fat milk, butter, and beef tallow goes against previous nutritional guidance that generally advises limiting saturated fats.
Kennedy's announcement comes as part of his broader efforts to promote a pro-masculinity agenda through his "Make America Healthy Again" movement. This movement ties protein consumption into traditional notions of masculinity.
Experts point out that the association between men and meat, fire, and cooking is deeply rooted in cultural perceptions. The new guidelines may be seen as reinforcing this idea by emphasizing animal proteins.
However, data suggests that Americans already consume more than enough protein, with most men eating twice as much as they need, according to some estimates. The rise in protein consumption can be attributed to factors like the increasing popularity of weightlifting and aggressive marketing from food companies.
Kennedy's statement is seen as a strategic move to appear tough and aggressive, which aligns with the MAGA brand. This perception is based on optics rather than any genuine concern about protein intake.
The notion that there was ever a "war on protein" has been used to promote high-protein diets and equate general health with increased consumption of animal products. Experts warn that this can lead to potential health risks when overconsumed.
While some see the recommendations as a step forward, others argue that they contradict scientific consensus on saturated fats. For instance, the advice to consume full-fat milk, butter, and beef tallow goes against previous nutritional guidance that generally advises limiting saturated fats.
Kennedy's announcement comes as part of his broader efforts to promote a pro-masculinity agenda through his "Make America Healthy Again" movement. This movement ties protein consumption into traditional notions of masculinity.
Experts point out that the association between men and meat, fire, and cooking is deeply rooted in cultural perceptions. The new guidelines may be seen as reinforcing this idea by emphasizing animal proteins.
However, data suggests that Americans already consume more than enough protein, with most men eating twice as much as they need, according to some estimates. The rise in protein consumption can be attributed to factors like the increasing popularity of weightlifting and aggressive marketing from food companies.
Kennedy's statement is seen as a strategic move to appear tough and aggressive, which aligns with the MAGA brand. This perception is based on optics rather than any genuine concern about protein intake.
The notion that there was ever a "war on protein" has been used to promote high-protein diets and equate general health with increased consumption of animal products. Experts warn that this can lead to potential health risks when overconsumed.
. I mean, we're already talking protein at every meal? That's like saying you need a certain amount of water every hour or something 
. And what's with the emphasis on full-fat milk and butter? My grandma used to live on that stuff and she was as healthy as can be! 
. Like, who says guys have to eat more protein than girls just because of some outdated idea about masculinity? It's all about balance and moderation, in my opinion 
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. Is he really trying to promote our health or is it just a ploy to get attention as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" movement? Either way, I think we should be careful not to jump on the protein bandwagon without doing our research first 
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. The "Make America Healthy Again" movement seems like a perfect excuse for the gov't to push their own agenda on us. But what I really want to know is how much of this is about politics and how much is actually about real health concerns? 
It's crazy to think that they can just ignore the scientific consensus on saturated fats and push full-fat dairy products down our throats. And let's be real, who really benefits from all this? 
Can't we just have a balanced approach that takes into account our individual needs and lifestyles? Instead of pitting ourselves against some imaginary "war on protein" or making it about traditional notions of masculinity. 
It's like they're trying to distract us from the real issues while pushing their own agenda. I need to see some actual data and evidence before I start jumping on this bandwagon. 
... I mean, protein is def good for u, but does it really need to be at every meal? 
Like, what about veggie lovers & those on a budget who can't afford fancy cuts of meat all the time? 
I mean, I know protein is necessary, but saturated fats r not all bad either 
... I mean, is he just trying to stir up controversy & get attention? 
And all this protein drama can't be good for anyone's mental health 
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. While it's true that we already consume way more protein than we need, and that's a concern in itself, this new guidance just seems like a weird flex 
. It's like they're trying to fit in with some toxic masculinity vibes 
. Science has been telling us for years that moderate protein intake is key, not some arbitrary amount based on societal expectations.
. I'm all about living a healthy lifestyle, not some dogmatic eating plan 
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. And don't even get me started on full-fat milk - that was basically what our parents drank growing up, but now it's like, "no way, only skim milk" 
. How much of this is about genuine health concerns vs. just selling more burgers and protein powder 
️. And now they're saying full-fat milk and butter are okay again? That's just gonna lead to more heart problems, in my opinion 
. It's not like we didn't know saturated fats weren't good for us before 
. Rather, I think they're a clever PR move designed to appease his pro-masculinity base and align with the MAGA brand