As the new year unfolds, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alongside Agriculture Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has introduced updated dietary guidelines that are stirring debate among health professionals. These recommendations, which include an endorsement of red meat, butter, and beef tallow, have raised eyebrows, as these foods are often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines, crucial for shaping food assistance programs and school lunches, aim to provide nutritional direction amidst evolving scientific insights but have drawn criticism for seemingly disregarding decades of research.
The dietary guidelines, established in the 1980s and updated every five years, are typically rooted in extensive scientific research conducted by a team of nutrition experts. However, the latest release, delayed due to last year’s government shutdown, appears to reflect a departure from contemporary nutritional science. Notably, while previous research has indicated no safe level of alcohol consumption and highlighted health risks linked to ultra-processed foods, these concerns are not adequately addressed in the new guidelines. According to Gabby Headrick from George Washington University, there was also an expectation for a stronger focus on environmental sustainability, which was notably absent.
While some aspects of the guidelines promote a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, the emphasis on meat and whole-fat dairy has been met with skepticism. The newly designed food pyramid—a model that many nutritionists consider outdated—places significant focus on high-saturated fat foods, which contradicts longstanding dietary advice to limit their intake. Furthermore, the vague recommendations regarding protein intake may lead to increased consumption of calories and saturated fats, posing additional health risks. In light of these developments, nutrition experts are questioning the rationale behind the new guidelines, suggesting they may not adequately reflect the current understanding of nutrition science.
Source: America’s new dietary guidelines ignore decades of scientific research via MIT Technology Review