Alcohol notably absent from MAHA report
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 am
Alcohol's Absence Raises Eyebrows in MAHA Commission Report
A recent report from the MAHA Commission, mandated by a 2023 executive order, has sparked concern among health advocates due to its omission of alcohol's impact on public health. The commission's work, which will influence policies across various departments, including the crucial Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), has drawn criticism for overlooking the significant role alcohol plays in chronic health conditions, particularly among youth.
Mike Marshall, CEO of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, expressed disappointment that the report failed to address alcohol consumption, despite mounting evidence linking it to various cancers, cardiovascular issues, and mental health problems. Studies show alcohol-associated cancer deaths have doubled since 1990. The report did highlight the alarming rise in teenage depression, but the absence of alcohol's contribution to this issue is a notable omission.
The article highlights the prevalence of underage drinking, with a significant percentage of youth aged 12-20 consuming alcohol, including concerning rates of binge drinking. This behavior can negatively impact brain development and increase the risk of alcohol use disorder in adulthood. Furthermore, research suggests potential health risks associated with parental alcohol consumption even before conception.
The White House defended the omission, citing existing health guidance and laws regarding alcohol. However, the silence on alcohol's role raises questions about the upcoming DGA, which is produced every five years. The upcoming DGA, due by the end of the year, will be a drastically shorter document than previous versions. This has led to speculation about how the recommendations on alcohol consumption will be framed, especially given the alcohol industry's potential influence. Some fear the guidelines will downplay the health risks.
The article also touches on the political landscape surrounding alcohol policy, with conservative voices expressing concerns about international temperance movements and the potential for overly restrictive guidelines.
BNN's Perspective: The omission of alcohol from the MAHA report is a missed opportunity to address a significant public health concern, especially concerning youth. While the White House points to existing guidance, the growing body of research necessitates a more proactive approach. The upcoming DGA should provide clear and evidence-based recommendations on alcohol consumption to protect public health.
Keywords: MAHA Commission, alcohol, health, youth, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, DGA, underage drinking, binge drinking, cancer, mental health, chronic health conditions, U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, Mike Marshall, health risks, alcohol consumption, public health, executive order, teenage depression, alcohol use disorder.