New Dietary Guidelines Advise Reducing Ultra-Processed Foods

Fox News articles are now available in audio format, enhancing accessibility for readers. This year’s newly released dietary guidelines emphasize reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, while advocating for increased protein intake and a more relaxed approach toward saturated fats.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the CMS Administrator, shared with Fox News Digital that these guidelines should have been implemented earlier. In a recent video interview, he stated, We have managed to convey to Americans what the medical community has long understood — that consuming healthy fats, a balanced amount of carbohydrates, and focusing on protein intake provides significant health benefits.

Heart experts point out that many Americans are making common mistakes during grocery shopping, but simple changes can help.

Dr. Oz observed a trend among food manufacturers to highlight simple carbohydrates, noting, White foods such as flour, rice, and sugar contribute significantly to obesity. He further explained, Paradoxically, it is not the intake of fats that leads to weight gain, but sugar, as the body metabolizes and stores it for future use.

During an event for the documentary, MELANIA, in Washington, D.C., Fox News Digital interviewed Dr. Oz, who discussed obesity statistics. According to the CDC, almost 15 million youth are obese, and more than 40% of American adults over 20 face obesity challenges from August 2021 to August 2023.

The recent guidelines recommend a substantial reduction in the intake of highly processed and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, flour tortillas, and crackers.

Kendall Mackintosh, a board-certified licensed dietitian nutritionist based in Bethesda, Maryland, told Fox News Digital that refined ‘white foods’ and processed grains are among the most harmful elements in the typical American diet in terms of metabolism. She emphasized, Contrary to past low-fat dietary advice, it’s often the surplus of refined carbohydrates and sugars that contributes most to fat accumulation in the body.

Mackintosh clarified that these foods are quickly absorbed, leading to immediate spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Over time, repeated insulin surges may result in increased fat storage, persistent cravings, systemic inflammation, and a higher risk of insulin resistance.

The primary issue appears to be the overconsumption of processed carbohydrates, as opposed to fats from whole foods, which can disrupt long-term metabolic health.

In a related development, Dr. Oz recently appeared on Fox & Friends to discuss the new Trump RX website, designed to offer significant savings on medications for Americans. He stated that the initiative is fair… It will save money, it will save lives.

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.