Opinion: Make Texans Healthy Again

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Make Texans Healthy Again: A Bold Vision for Change

Texas is at a crossroads. Chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and rising healthcare costs are straining our communities, wallets, and the state budget. With bold leadership, we can turn the tide and create a healthier state—where thriving, not just surviving, is the standard.

This vision is at the heart of Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA). MTHA is committed to fighting for policies that protect personal choice, expand access and transparency, and lower the cost of healthcare, prescriptions, and nutritious food. Focusing on prevention—such as routine health check-ins, education on nourishing the body with whole, unprocessed foods, and encouraging kids to stay active and eat healthy in schools—we can reduce the need for costly treatments and empower Texans to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This isn’t just a policy issue to me—it’s personal. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of chronic disease on my family: my mother suffered a debilitating stroke at just 49, leaving her with lifelong disabilities, and my father’s life was tragically cut short by a late-detected illness. In contrast, my own health journey—losing 80 pounds by cutting out processed foods and prioritizing movement—has shown me the transformative power of prevention and how different the story can be when we address root causes early.

I’ve also experienced the transformative impact of functional medicine in helping my wife and me welcome a healthy daughter after multiple miscarriages. That same approach—combining thoughtful care with lifestyle changes—helped when my dog was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. They said it would surely return, but four years later, with the help of modern medicine and a diet overhaul, she’s still in remission. Real change doesn’t come from a pill but from addressing root causes with better nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Texans deserve better, and I’m committed to helping create meaningful change.

The Cost of Chronic Disease in Texas

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity account for the majority of healthcare costs, with Texas Medicaid spending tripling over the last two decades. Nearly 70% of adult Texans are overweight or obese, mirroring a national trend where obesity rates have soared from 14.5% in 1971 to 42.8% today. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are major contributors to this crisis. Ultra-processed foods now account for 57% of the average American’s calorie intake. Shockingly, the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has increased by 7,300% since 1970, fueling metabolic dysfunction. Today, 93% of Americans fail key metabolic health markers, highlighting the scale of the problem.

The consequences go beyond health—they affect our economy, our families, and even our national security. Over 80% of Americans fail to meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and the average adult spends over six hours a day sitting. These trends have contributed to 77% of Americans being ineligible for military service due to issues like obesity and poor fitness levels.

Low-Hanging Fruit for a Healthier Texas

While tackling chronic disease and poor nutrition is a complex challenge, this legislative session presents opportunities to make meaningful progress with common-sense solutions. Several proposals aim to address key areas that directly impact the health and well-being of Texans.

For instance, Senator Hughes and Representative Harris-Davilla are leading efforts to ensure school meals are free of harmful additives, protecting children from exposure to chemicals linked to long-term health issues. Senator Middleton has proposed preventing tax dollars from subsidizing unhealthy food purchases through nutrition assistance programs, ensuring our most vulnerable communities have access to better choices.

Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Goodwin are fighting to expand cottage food production and empower small businesses to provide fresh, whole foods to more consumers while reducing unnecessary red tape. Senator Kolkhorst is also driving efforts to enhance transparency in prescription drug pricing, empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions and reducing the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers—profit-driven middlemen often tied to big pharma. And Representative Oliverson is spearheading a push to require nutrition education in Texas medical schools, highlighting the critical role diet plays in preventing chronic disease and improving patient outcomes.

These are straightforward, impactful measures that can set the foundation for broader health reform in Texas, and they’re just the beginning. This session, many other great proposals are on the table, tackling everything from healthcare affordability to nutrition education. Families deserve access to better health without being burdened by rising healthcare costs, so their communities can strive for a brighter, healthier future.

Momentum is on our side. The "Make America Healthy Again" movement has become a major political issue nationwide, and all eyes are on Texas to lead. What we do in the next six months has the potential to become the model for the entire country. By prioritizing preventative healthcare, empowering small businesses, and ensuring access to nutritious food, Texas can show the rest of the nation how to build a healthier, stronger future.

Learn more and get involved at MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com

About the Author

Travis McCormick is an Austin-based consultant with over a decade of experience in government and political campaigns. He has served in senior roles in both the Texas House and Senate, as well as Chief of Staff for a statewide elected official. McCormick is the founder of Make Texans Healthy Again, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing state-level policies that promote transparency, affordability, access, and freedom in healthcare and nutrition. A graduate of the University of Texas, he lives in Austin with his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Winnie.

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