In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a London-based cardiologist and public health advocate, highlighted a crucial link between poor metabolic health and the rise of chronic diseases in the United States. With over 133 million Americans affected by at least one chronic illness in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Malhotra underscores the importance of reevaluating dietary habits to improve health outcomes.
The Role of Metabolic Health in Chronic Disease
Metabolic health refers to the body’s ability to balance fat storage and energy burning, and Dr. Malhotra argues that poor metabolic health is a significant driver of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even dementia. His findings, supported by studies, show that only one in eight Americans achieves optimal metabolic health, which is defined by five key markers: blood glucose levels, blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Dr. Malhotra explains that when an individual fails to meet three or more of these optimal markers—such as high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and high triglycerides—they are at heightened risk of chronic health conditions.
Dietary Changes Can Yield Quick Results
According to Dr. Malhotra, metabolic health improvements can be seen within just 21 to 28 days, simply by adopting better dietary habits. He advocates for the elimination of ultraprocessed foods, sugars, and low-quality carbohydrates such as refined breads, rice, pasta, and potatoes. He emphasizes that while these foods can be consumed occasionally, temporarily removing them from the diet can help reset metabolic health.
Dr. Malhotra also advocates for a focus on whole foods, regular physical activity, and stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation, to support metabolic health. These lifestyle changes, he suggests, offer a clear path to improving overall well-being.
The Epidemic of Ultraprocessed Foods
The rise in chronic diseases is exacerbated by the high consumption of ultraprocessed foods, which account for over 60% of calorie intake in the typical American diet. These foods are often made with five or more ingredients, including additives, preservatives, and unhealthy oils, while lacking fiber and containing refined carbohydrates.
Dr. Malhotra views these ultraprocessed foods as both addictive and detrimental to health, with food manufacturers intentionally creating “hyper-palatable” products that can lead to unhealthy consumption patterns. To combat this, he proposes several solutions, including taxing ultraprocessed foods, subsidizing healthier options, and restricting advertising for such products.
A Call for Public Health Reform
Drawing parallels to the successful tobacco control movement, Dr. Malhotra calls for a similar approach to combat the rise of ultraprocessed foods. He suggests that raising awareness, limiting the accessibility and affordability of unhealthy foods, and launching public health campaigns to educate the public about their dangers could help reduce consumption.
Ultimately, Dr. Malhotra asserts that addressing the food industry’s influence on public health is essential to reversing the chronic disease epidemic in the U.S. He stresses, “You cannot fix health or health care without fixing the food.”
Healthy Food for All
While Dr. Malhotra acknowledges that he has the privilege of being able to afford healthy food, he points out that many people do not have the same resources, a significant barrier to improving health nationwide. He encourages individuals to make small changes toward better eating and to recognize the value of nourishing their bodies with wholesome, unprocessed food.
For those interested in improving their health, Dr. Malhotra recommends starting with small steps toward eliminating ultraprocessed foods and incorporating more nutritious options into the diet.
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