PBS has a new show, Horizons, that discusses science, technology, health. The first show, January 15, 2026, available on the free PBS Horizons App, discussed the obesity in the country. Some really important reasons for the explosion of obesity in the U.S. since the early '80s were made. And, of course, that time marked the start of the obesity crisis in America.
First, Reagan deregulated the food industry. Oh boy! The food industry could just focus on profits and market share without those pesky regulations.
Second, Shareholder Capitalism became the operating principle of the Reagan deregulated capitalist world. So, this means that the main objective was profits, increase of stock performance, and food quality and nourishment become secondary at best.
Third, with the collapse of demand for cigarettes, the Tobacco giants needed a new way to make enormous amounts of money, so they bought the food companies. And what did the Tobacco giants do? why they did the same things they did to sell cigarettes: they shaped the eating experience to increase food sales. That is to say, they changed food from being nourishing to be eaten until one is full enough, to become food that creates hunger, food that creates cravings, food that satisfies briefly but demands another hit to stave off the cravings for the chemically altered drugs disguised as food.
So, America became obese.
What to do? Eat real food, not processed food. We have known this for decades, but it is a lifesaving strategy. When you go to a supermarket only buy the food on the outer edges of the store - produce (fruits and vegetables) and meat. Most of the make-believe food in the freezers and cans are addictive drugs stuffed into what looks like food.
And cook your food. Not just warm up the hyper processes meals that are so convenient.
The show gave some credit to the government's MAHA efforts to have people eat real food but had less than enthusiasm for RFK Jrs new nutrition pyramid which can be summarized as eat lots of real food and mostly meat, which is different than Michael Pollan's advice to eat real food, not too much, mostly grains and produce.
The tobacco giant's business modal is to addict people, make people ill and kill them early. You've got to keep those shareholders happy, doncha know?
