The MAHA Commission, officially known as the "Make America Healthy Again" Commission, is a presidential commission established by an executive order signed on February 13, 2025. It is chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also leads the MAHA movement, a political and public health-focused initiative. The commission includes other officials from the Trump administration and is tasked with examining key health issues affecting children in the United States, particularly the rising rates of childhood chronic diseases. The commission's focus is on four main causes behind the health problems in children:
- Poor diet, especially related to ultra-processed foods
- Exposure to environmental chemicals
- Lack of physical activity and stress, partially due to pervasive technology use
- Overmedicalization, including concerns over prescription drugs and vaccines
The MAHA Commission released a detailed report in May 2025, called the "Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment" (MAHA report). The report highlights the "childhood chronic disease crisis" and attributes it to factors like poor diet, chemical exposure, inactivity, stress, and medical treatments. It also calls for further research and policy reforms to tackle these issues. The commission's work has been controversial, drawing criticism for its stance on vaccines, water fluoridation, and its report containing disputed citations. The commission also addresses the corporate influence on health and regulatory agencies, connects health issues to food additives, environmental toxins, and pharmaceuticals, and calls for a broader strategy to improve children's health in the U.S. In summary, the MAHA Commission is a government-led initiative aimed at investigating and addressing root causes of chronic health problems in children, with an emphasis on diet, environment, lifestyle, and medical practices, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and aligned with the larger MAHA political movement focused on public health reform. This explanation synthesizes various aspects of the commission including its origin, leadership, mission, report findings, and controversies around it. If you want, I can elaborate on specific areas such as its report recommendations, political context, or criticisms.
