Calley Means Alleges Healthcare System Profits from Sick Children Amidst Rising Pediatric Chronic Illnesses

Washington D.C. – Health advocate Calley Means has intensified his criticism of the U.S. healthcare and food industries, asserting that systemic incentives prioritize profit over the well-being of children. Means, a former consultant for pharmaceutical and food companies, argues that current structures contribute to a growing epidemic of chronic diseases among American youth, including conditions like obesity and ADHD, which he states affects 15% of American children. His advocacy aligns with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.

Means, co-founder of TrueMed, contends that "every institution in healthcare profits when kids are sick and loses money when they’re healthy," a sentiment he frequently shares on social media. He points to the pervasive influence of "Big Food" and "Big Pharma" on dietary guidelines and medical practices, leading to what he describes as a "sick-care system." This system, he argues, incentivizes the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the over-prescription of medications for conditions that could be prevented or managed through diet and lifestyle changes.

A key focus of Means's campaign is the rise of childhood obesity and related conditions. He has voiced strong opposition to the use of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s for children, stating, "The idea that we have an obesity crisis and are trying to spend trillions of dollars of government money to jab kids is a real problem." He highlights the alarming trend of pediatric liver transplant clinics emerging for conditions once primarily associated with older adults, underscoring the severity of the health crisis in younger populations.

Means advocates for sweeping policy changes, including barring ultra-processed foods from federal programs like SNAP and ending direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. He proposes a re-evaluation of how federal research funding is allocated, pushing for more studies on the impact of ultra-processed foods and environmental toxins, independent of industry influence. His work has garnered attention from prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with whom he collaborates on health reform initiatives.

Through his platform, Means continues to challenge prevailing narratives about health and nutrition, urging a shift towards a "food as medicine" approach. He aims to expose what he perceives as corrupt practices within the healthcare system, advocating for a future where children's health is prioritized over corporate interests.