U.S. to Unveil New Dietary Guidelines in December, Says Kennedy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will issue updated national dietary guidelines in December to address rising obesity rates.

Kennedy announced the move at a White House event alongside leaders from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

He said the new recommendations will bring major updates to nutrition advice that shapes school lunches, military meals, and healthcare guidance. “We’re releasing those in December,” he said.

About half of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, Kennedy noted, calling obesity a key driver of chronic diseases that need urgent attention.

• US to Unveil New Dietary Guidelines in December to Tackle Obesity
• HHS Plans Major Nutrition Overhaul Targeting Processed Foods and Fat Intake
• New Federal Diet Rules May Redefine Healthy Eating for Schools and Healthcare

While details remain undisclosed, sources told that the new guidelines will likely include recommendations on reducing saturated fat, limiting ultra-processed foods, and revisiting dairy intake. This could mark a shift from the current rules, which cap saturated fats at less than 10% of total calories and make no mention of ultra-processed foods.

The HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) update the dietary guidelines every five years. The recommendations serve as the basis for federal nutrition programs and policies.

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Food industry groups are closely monitoring the changes, particularly the potential classification of ultra-processed foods, which could affect labeling and marketing. The December update is expected to influence how Americans are advised to eat across public institutions and healthcare systems.