U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, on Jan. 7, 2026, in Washington, introducing a policy shift toward whole foods to address chronic disease rates. The guidelines prioritize nutrient-dense options over processed items, aiming to reduce health care costs linked to diet-related conditions. Officials described the update as a reset of federal nutrition policy under President Donald Trump, focusing on real food to improve public health.
The release marks a departure from prior guidelines, which officials said favored corporate interests and contributed to rising obesity and diabetes. The new framework emphasizes high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains while advising avoidance of highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Specific recommendations include prioritizing protein at every meal, consuming full-fat dairy without added sugars, eating whole forms of vegetables and fruits, incorporating healthy fats from sources such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados, focusing on whole grains and reducing refined carbohydrates, limiting highly processed foods, added sugars and artificial additives, eating based on individual needs like age, sex, size and activity level, choosing water and unsweetened beverages for hydration, and limiting alcohol.
“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” Secretary Kennedy said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” Secretary Rollins said. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”
The guidelines form the basis for federal programs including school meals, military and veteran nutrition, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Implementation starts with promoting affordable, nutrient-dense foods in these areas. The document provides tailored advice for groups such as infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, those with chronic diseases, and vegetarians or vegans.
Nationally, chronic diseases account for 90% of health care spending, with 48% of federal tax dollars allocated to health care, according to a Johns Hopkins analysis cited in the fact sheet. The U.S. has the highest obesity and Type 2 diabetes rates among developed countries, per OECD data, and spends 2.5 times more per capita on health care than the average developed nation, with life expectancy four years lower. One-third of U.S. teens have prediabetes, 20% of children and adolescents are obese, and 18.5% of young adults have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, 77% of military-aged youth are ineligible for service due to chronic conditions tied to diet. A Medicare study found 15% weight loss reduces annual spending by nearly $1,000 per beneficiary.
In Southern Maryland, where obesity rates exceed state and national figures, the guidelines could influence local health efforts. Charles County reports 43.4% adult obesity, compared to Maryland’s 34.1%, based on 2024 data. St. Mary’s County has 35% obesity, and Calvert County 49%, contributing to higher chronic disease burdens. Local SNAP participation includes 15,466 recipients in Charles County in 2022, part of Maryland’s 11.1% population share in fiscal 2024. With 78% of SNAP users on Medicaid, shifting toward whole foods could lower costs.
Regional initiatives align with the guidelines. Charles County passed Bill 2023-09 on Jan. 9, 2024, requiring healthier kids’ meal defaults like water or milk without added sugars and meals meeting nutrition standards within 18 months. The measure addresses 15% obesity among high school students, higher for males at 17.2%. Statewide, Maryland ranks 28th in child health, with 36% of youths aged 10-17 overweight in 2022. Anne Arundel County Food Bank launched a health-focused drive in 2024, emphasizing nutrition to combat chronic conditions.
St. Mary’s County Health Department offers the TOPS weight loss program since 2023 to reduce risks like high blood pressure. CalvertHealth partners with CoreLife for obesity management, noting higher rates in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s than state average. The Healthy Hearts Ambassador Program, starting Jan. 26, 2026, in Southern Maryland, includes monthly nutrition sessions on sodium reduction and grocery strategies.
The guidelines reject health equity as a central focus, prioritizing outcomes for all Americans. American Heart Association welcomed the emphasis on vegetables, fruits and whole grains but noted alignment with science. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics acknowledged the release while raising concerns on some elements.