From type 2 diabetes to hypertension, from cardiovascular disease to cancer, the laundry list of medical conditions linked directly to our dietary habits is staggering. Yet, the food industry that markets to us is often the culprit behind our declining health. We’ve been led to believe that processed foods are good for us, but in reality, they’re making us sicker.

The issue isn’t just what’s in the food; it’s what’s been done to it. The introduction of mandatory nutrition labels in 1990 was a step forward, but by focusing solely on listing ingredients, the true extent of processing was masked. Refined sugar, a key ingredient in countless processed foods, has become ubiquitous in our diets, contributing to a surge in diabetes cases, now affecting over 30 million Americans.

The dental profession has not been immune to the sugar industry’s influence. Pediatric dentist Kristen Kern uncovered a hidden history of manipulation and deception, dating back to the 1940s. Sugar lobbyists funded scientific projects and publications, spreading misinformation and downplaying the health risks associated with sugar consumption.

Kern’s research revealed a systematic campaign by the sugar industry to obfuscate science and influence government policy, mirroring tactics employed by the tobacco industry. By casting doubt on the link between sugar and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, the sugar lobby successfully shifted attention away from its products and onto dietary fat.

The industry’s influence extends beyond science, reaching into the halls of government. Despite mounting evidence of their harmful effects, the sugar industry has effectively prevented meaningful regulation and taxation of its products through lobbying efforts and political contributions.

The revolving door between industry and government, known as agency capture, further undermines efforts to hold the sugar industry accountable. Industry-friendly scientists are often appointed to regulatory committees, ensuring that government agencies remain complicit in perpetuating the status quo.

The consequences of this collusion are dire. Chronic metabolic diseases, fueled by excessive sugar consumption, account for a staggering 75% of healthcare costs in the United States. Yet, the food industry continues to profit, while taxpayers foot the bill for the resulting healthcare crisis.

It’s time to break free from the grip of Big Sugar and reclaim control of our health and economy. By exposing the industry’s deceptive practices and advocating for meaningful policy changes, we can build a healthier future for the next seven generations.