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Tyson's New Fight: Battling Obesity for Health
12 Feb
Summary
- Mike Tyson partners with HHS to combat obesity and processed foods.
- He was inspired by his sister's death at 25 from obesity.
- New dietary guidelines promote 'real food' over processed options.
Boxing icon Mike Tyson is lending his voice to the fight against obesity, partnering with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Tyson expressed a desire to be a "hero" in this new arena, a commitment deepened by the tragic loss of his sister, Denise, who died at 25 due to an obesity-related condition.
Tyson recalled that in his childhood neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn, ultra-processed foods were readily available and a dietary staple due to limited financial resources. He emphasized that this fight is personal, calling it "the biggest fight of my life."
The initiative supports the government's new dietary guidelines, unveiled in January, which simplify recommendations to a core message: "Eat real food." These guidelines prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods like protein, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, while downplaying refined carbohydrates.
Kennedy, a presidential candidate, has consistently linked the rise of chronic illness in the U.S. to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. The new guidelines, detailed on RealFood.gov, advocate for specific daily intake targets for protein, vegetables, and fruits, moving away from the traditional food pyramid structure.
