Quick Hit:

Jillian Michaels delivered a powerful testimony before Congress, calling the rise in chronic diseases linked to obesity and ultra-processed foods an "extinction-level event." Her speech condemned corporations for promoting harmful products and received a standing ovation.

Key Details:

• Michaels highlighted the dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), linking them to chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

• She accused corporations of fueling an obesity epidemic by selling harmful, low-nutrition products.

• Chronic diseases are expected to nearly double in Americans aged 50 and older by 2050, from 71.5 million in 2020 to 143 million.

Diving Deeper:

Fitness expert Jillian Michaels took the floor in Congress to deliver a searing critique of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their role in fueling America’s chronic disease epidemic. Speaking at a roundtable hosted by Senator Ron Johnson, Michaels described the crisis as an “extinction-level event,” warning that chronic diseases linked to poor diet and obesity are threatening the nation’s health. Her speech, which earned a standing ovation, targeted major corporations that produce and promote UPFs, calling out their role in driving the widespread health decline.

Michaels pointed to the vast presence of UPFs in grocery stores—ranging from chips and frozen meals to salad dressings and cheeses. While affordable and convenient, these products have been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline. According to a report from the British Medical Journal, diets high in UPFs increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50% and obesity by 55%. Research also shows that UPFs disrupt gut bacteria, promoting inflammation that can spur tumor growth and impair the immune system.

In her testimony, Michaels detailed the devastating impact of chronic illnesses on everyday Americans, warning that the number of Americans aged 50 and older with at least one chronic disease is expected to nearly double by 2050. She also accused big corporations—alongside the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries—of distorting research, influencing policy, and manipulating consumer behavior to prioritize profits over public health.

“Obesity has become the default human condition in the 21st century… by design,” Michaels said. She argued that the cooperation of food manufacturers, big pharma, and industrial agriculture has created a perfect storm, betraying the public's trust and driving this epidemic.

Michaels concluded with a somber reflection on her 30-year career as a fitness coach, noting that while she has saved many lives, she has also lost just as many to chronic disease. “They were literally sacrificed at the altar of unchecked corporate greed,” she said, driving home the urgent need for reform in America’s food system.

Michaels’ call for action resonated deeply with lawmakers and spectators, further spotlighting the growing concerns over UPFs and their long-term impact on public health.

"Jillian Michaels" by Gage Skidmore licensed under (CC BY-SA 2.0)