Washington, Feb 26, (NationPress) Dr. Casey Means, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the US Surgeon General, expressed to senators that the United States is recognized as the most chronically ill high-income country globally. She advocates for a prevention-first approach that resonates with rising concerns in India regarding diabetes, obesity, and ultra-processed foods.

During her appearance before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Wednesday (local time), Means painted a picture of a nation overwhelmed by chronic illnesses. “We lead shorter and sicker lives compared to other high-income nations,” she stated. “The current generation of children is anticipated to experience shorter and poorer health than their parents.”

She emphasized the necessity for public health authorities to tackle issues related to ultra-processed foods, chemical exposure, inactivity, chronic stress, loneliness, and overmedicalization.

Her remarks resonated beyond Washington’s borders. India, similar to the US, is facing an increase in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, which are increasingly associated with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Means articulated her goal as transforming the US healthcare paradigm from “reactive sick care to proactive health care.”

“My aspiration in this role is primarily to motivate our healthcare system to concentrate on root causes,” she conveyed to lawmakers.

She identified metabolic dysfunction as a primary factor leading to health issues. “A staggering 93% of American adults have at least one indicator of metabolic dysfunction,” she noted, asserting that chronic illnesses arise from profound systemic issues rather than just individual ailments.

Republican senators generally supported her focus on prevention. Senator Roger Marshall highlighted that nearly 80% of adults deal with at least one chronic illness and called for reforms in medical education to emphasize nutrition.

Conversely, Democratic lawmakers questioned Means regarding vaccines and her previous financial associations with health-related enterprises.

“I firmly believe that vaccines save lives,” Means reiterated, adding that they are “a crucial element of any public health strategy for infectious diseases.”

When asked about influenza vaccines, she confirmed, “At the population level, I certainly think that it does” diminish serious illness.

The topic of chronic diseases holds special relevance for India. Both nations are encountering escalating healthcare costs due to lifestyle-related illnesses. Urbanization, the consumption of processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles have led to similar health trends.

India is also broadening discussions on food labeling, sugar intake, and preventive healthcare—subjects that align closely with Means’ testimony.

If confirmed, Means would assume the role of the chief public health advocate for the US at a time when non-communicable diseases are on the rise globally.