01/11/2026
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to require all doctors to receive formal training in nutrition, saying modern medicine needs to focus more on food, prevention, and long-term health.
He argues that many chronic illnesses are closely linked to diet, lifestyle, and poor nutrition, yet doctors often receive very little education on these topics during medical school. The proposal is meant to shift healthcare toward prevention rather than just treatment, with nutrition playing a bigger role in patient care.
Supporters say this could help doctors better guide patients on managing weight, diabetes, heart disease, and other diet-related conditions. They believe stronger nutrition education could improve overall public health and reduce reliance on medication alone.
Critics caution that medical training is already intense and packed with essential subjects, and adding more requirements could increase pressure on future doctors. They also stress that nutrition advice must be based on solid science, not trends. The debate reflects a growing interest in preventive care and how modern medicine can evolve to keep people healthier for longer.