New Delhi: The US Department of Health, jointly with the US Department of Agriculture, recently announced new dietary guidelines prioritising proteins and ‘healthy fats’ instead of carbohydrates.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced the development on 8 January and presented an inverted food pyramid. Americans are now encouraged to eat meats, vegetables and full-fat dairy—placed at the top—over whole grains, which are placed at the bottom.
The new visual is a stark contrast to the original ‘food pyramid’, which was introduced in 1992. It placed bread, rice and cereals at the base, followed by fruits and vegetables, then meat and dairy. At the very top—the smallest portion of the triangle—were the fats, oils and sugars, signifying that they were meant to be eaten sparingly.
The original pyramid was abandoned by the US Department of Agriculture in 2011, when it introduced MyPlate. The visual showed a plate divided into recommended proportions of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein.
As part of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 — which is updated every five years — the inverted pyramid marks a significant overhaul of federal nutrition policy. The guidelines also come with a clear message: eat real food.
National health emergency
The announcement acknowledged that the country was facing a national health emergency. More than 70 per cent of adults in America are overweight or obese, one in three adolescents has prediabetes, and close to 90 per cent of healthcare spending is directed at treating chronic disease.
“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” said Kennedy. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
The guidelines emphasise protein at every meal, whole fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and full-fat dairy without added sugar. They also advise cutting back on refined carbs, ultra-processed foods, added sugars and alcohol.
The previous guidelines—under the MyPlate era—only recommended proteins, instead of emphasising whole grains, which formed a significant portion of the plate. Previously, low-fat dairy was encouraged. Now, full-fat dairy and natural fats are recommended.
Also read: Why Oxford University Press apologised for a Shivaji book 20 years later
Higher protein intake
The core theme of the new recommendations is common across the globe. Most countries focus on a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole foods, while limiting processed foods and added sugars.
But the new US guidelines focus on a higher protein intake than other countries. The United Kingdom and other European countries emphasise more plant-based eating, highlighting sustainability in food consumption.
At the top of the inverted pyramid is also red meat, which has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Most countries around the world recommend limiting consumption of beef and other red meats, while the US guidelines prioritise it.
The American Heart Association (AHA) welcomed the new guidelines but also had concerns over the increase in protein intake.
“We are concerned that recommendations regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease,” said the AHA.
Additionally, European countries encourage the consumption of low-fat dairy and fermented dairy products, like yoghurt. But the US recommends full-fat dairy with no added sugars.
The new guidelines will influence millions of American consumers. They also shape the federal food programs (school lunches, military meals), public health policy and the food and agriculture industry, whose products are either prioritised or sidelined by the new policy.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)