U.S. sees 2.5% obesity drop under Trump, while Social Security faces proposed 25% benefit cuts

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy said the nation's obesity rate fell 2.5% since President Donald Trump took office, attributing the decline to greater public awareness of nutrition, physical activity and federal health‑promotion campaigns. He made the statement in North Carolina, adding that the reduction is “a drop in 50 years.” Public‑health experts note obesity is shaped by many social and economic factors, and some credit federal programs while others point to broader lifestyle changes.

Separately, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, which recommends an immediate 25.2% cut to benefits to avoid a projected trust‑fund depletion by the fourth quarter of 2032. The report warns that without reforms the fund will run out, after which an automatic 22% benefit reduction would occur, cutting the average monthly pension by about $506. An alternative solution would raise payroll taxes by roughly 4.25 percentage points. Lawmakers are debating options such as gradually increasing the tax, raising the earnings cap, adjusting benefits progressively, or altering the retirement age, all amid concerns about the impact on millions of retirees, especially low‑income households.