Dr. Oz Targets ‘White Foods’ in Obesity Fight

Why the Guidelines Are Shifting

New federal dietary guidelines are making waves by urging Americans to cut back on ultra-processed foods while shifting their focus toward protein and healthier fats. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz says the changes are long overdue, arguing that medical professionals have understood the basics of healthy eating for years — yet public policy and food marketing haven’t always caught up. With more than 40% of American adults battling obesity, the urgency behind these recommendations is hard to ignore.

The Problem With ‘White Foods’

Dr. Oz didn’t mince words when pointing to what he believes are some of the biggest contributors to obesity. “All the white foods — white flour, white rice, white sugar — tend to create obesity,” he said. He also pushed back on decades of low-fat messaging, noting that it’s not dietary fat that drives weight gain, but sugar and refined carbohydrates that the body rapidly processes and stores. The result, he says, is a cycle of cravings, fat storage, and long-term metabolic strain.

The new guidelines advise Americans to significantly reduce consumption of highly processed and refined carbohydrates such as white bread, flour tortillas and crackers. Instead, they promote a diet that prioritizes protein and eases restrictions on saturated fats. The shift reflects growing concern about the metabolic impact of ultra-processed foods and refined grains, which are absorbed quickly and linked to spikes in blood sugar and insulin.

Why It Matters Now

With nearly 15 million youths classified as obese and obesity rates continuing to climb among adults, the debate over what Americans should eat isn’t academic — it’s personal. Dr. Oz’s comments underscore a broader reckoning with how food choices, industry influence, and public guidance shape long-term health outcomes. Whether the new recommendations lead to meaningful change may depend on how willing Americans are to rethink what’s on their plates.