A Fox News panel has countered Whoopi Goldberg's claims that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, is engaging in "fat shaming." Goldberg's comments on "The View" came in response to Kennedy's advocacy for healthier lifestyles and dietary choices over reliance on weight-loss medications.
Kennedy has been vocal about the need for food reform in America, particularly concerning potentially harmful ingredients. He suggests that conditions like diabetes and prediabetes can often be managed through dietary changes, proposing that government funds could be better spent on providing access to healthy, organic food rather than subsidizing expensive medications like Ozempic.
Goldberg took issue with Kennedy's stance, arguing that some individuals are genetically predisposed to larger body sizes and that Kennedy's comments promote shame. She shared her personal experience with weight loss, crediting medication for her recent transformation and asserting that such results wouldn't be achievable for everyone.
The "Outnumbered" panel on Fox News disagreed with Goldberg's assessment. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist, acknowledged the existence of genetic predispositions to weight gain but emphasized the significant impact of lifestyle factors. She highlighted the lack of access to affordable, healthy food options in lower-income communities, contributing to a cycle of unhealthy eating habits.
Harris Faulkner quoted Kennedy's position that weight-loss drugs have a role to play but shouldn't be the primary solution, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes. Panelist Ian Prior drew a comparison to Michelle Obama's school lunch program, questioning why similar concerns about "fat shaming" weren't raised then. He suggested that the left often focuses on the messenger rather than the message itself.
Fox News anchor Julie Banderas also weighed in, asserting that promoting healthy habits isn't "fat shaming" but rather a concern for public health. She shared her own weight-loss journey and stressed the importance of exercise and healthy habits, particularly for children.
Dr. Saphier concluded by cautioning against over-reliance on weight-loss medications, citing potential side effects and interactions with other treatments, such as chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.
