The confirmation hearing to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The highly anticipated hearing follows the introduction of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement – a campaign to revolutionize health in the country.

On “Fox & Friends” Monday morning, Fox News Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Marc Siegel expressed his confidence in RFK’s confirmation being successful.

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“He’s right in the middle of a really important issue in this country, and it’s why he’s going to get in,” Siegel predicted. “We are not healthy here. We are a sick society.”

According to Siegel, 45% of U.S. adults and 20% of children are obese, which can lead to diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The MAHA agenda focuses on nutrition as a key element of creating a healthier nation. 

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Siegel agreed that “we have to start with the food we eat,” commenting on the health hazards of ultraprocessed foods.

“He’s right in the middle of a really important issue in this country, and it’s why he’s going to get in.”

“So, a little kid says, ‘Let me have that cereal that looks like it came from Mars,’ but it has empty calories in it. It’s got chemicals in it. They get addicted to it, and they don’t eat healthy foods.”

Siegel emphasized the need to bring back a “farm to fork” method of food supply and nutrition.

America’s kids are eating foods that have “empty calories” and are addictive, Siegel warned. (iStock)

“Our farmers will love that,” he said. “We need to support our farmers and go back to organic food – farm to fork – without the chemicals. That’s what Kennedy wants.”

RFK’s movement aims to promote better health through several avenues, including outlawing dyes and additives in food that lead to chronic disease, removing toxins from the environment, combating corporate corruption and supporting regenerative agriculture.

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Siegel echoed that the goal is to “make people feel better,” which includes weighing less and exercising more.

“I would add to his agenda tax incentives for gym memberships,” the doctor suggested. “You join a gym; you get a tax incentive.”

President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr., sits in a meeting with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on Capitol Hill on Jan. 9, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

“We are a very sedentary society,” he went on. “Let’s get us exercising again, eating right again, losing weight. The obesity epidemic is causing a huge amount of health issues in this country.”

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In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Siegel elaborated that the U.S. has a “sick care system rather than a healthcare system.”

“It is a combination of big insurance and big pharma, which profits when we are ill,” he said.

“If we exercise more and drink less and eat healthier foods, we are going to be healthier.”

Siegel shared how obesity leads to inflammation and other “expensive diseases” that he treats in his own practice, like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, cancer, joint problems, back pain and Alzheimer’s disease.

“If we exercise more and drink less and eat healthier foods, we are going to be healthier, which is an enormous saving in healthcare costs,” he noted.

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There should be focus on removing chemicals and dyes in foods, Siegel reiterated, along with a push for less addictive food and freshly grown produce, especially in schools.

The doctor also suggested more emphasis on non-invasive wellness modalities like yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Water is known to be a great resource for good health — but sparkling water could also offer unique benefits.

A new report published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health suggests that carbonated water may support weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and metabolism in red blood cells.

The researchers aimed to analyze the physiological effects of carbonated water, as it has been found to induce satiety (feelings of fullness) and gastric motility (movement of food through the body), both of which could reduce hunger.

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In analyzing a study from 2004, the team found that carbonated water may support weight loss by converting to HCO3 – a byproduct of metabolism – in red blood cells and increasing energy production.

But the effect of this is “so small,” the researchers concluded, that it is “difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the CO2 in carbonated water.”

So the researchers noted that sparkling water should not be used on its own as a weight-loss solution — and should instead be “integrated into a broader strategy of healthy living.”

‘Extremely challenging’

Study researcher Dr. Akira Takahashi, head of medicine at Tesseikai Neurosurgical Hospital in Osaka, Japan, conducted the original research 20 years ago.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Takahashi said this new report underscores how carbonated water impacts weight loss by promoting the sensation of fullness, which can reduce food intake and lower overall calorie consumption.

Carbonated water burning calories through CO2 absorption is “insufficient to make a significant difference,” the researcher noted.

OZEMPIC’S HEALTH BENEFITS KEEP GROWING, BUT ARE THE RISKS WORTH IT?

“For instance, during hemodialysis, even with a continuous supply of CO₂ for four hours, only about 9.5g of glucose is consumed,” he said. 

“It would be extremely challenging to drink carbonated water continuously for that duration.” 

(Hemodialysis is a treatment that filters waste and water from the blood for people whose kidneys are not functioning correctly.)

“Further research is necessary to better understand [sparkling water’s] long-term effects and optimize its role in dietary interventions,” the report said. (iStock)

“Therefore, I believe it is unlikely that carbonated water alone could lead to weight loss,” Takahashi said.

Further research is needed to fully understand the effect of carbonation on weight loss due to fullness, according to the researcher.

BRAIN AND MEMORY ARE BOOSTED BY EATING ONE PARTICULAR DIET, STUDY FINDS

“The sensation of fullness when drinking carbonated beverages is thought to result from their physical properties,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“Carbon dioxide released from the bubbles fills the stomach, stimulating stretch receptors. These receptors then signal the brain via the vagus nerve, creating a sensation of fullness.”

“Water in general is great for you, but if interested in losing weight, there is more to it.”

Carbonated water should be incorporated into a “broader strategy” of healthy living, according to experts.

“Water in general is great for you, but if interested in losing weight, there is more to it,” Dr. Kathleen Jordan, chief medical officer and weight management specialist for MediHealth in California, told Fox News Digital. (Jordan was not part of the research.)

Dietary choices and activity levels are more likely to be impactful, the expert said, and medications can be “hugely helpful” for those who struggle to manage their weight.

Experts agree that weight loss involves many different factors beyond drinking one type of water. (iStock)

New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco agreed that more data is needed on what individuals should pair with soda water for weight management.

“As the study points out, there is no one general way to lose weight across the board,” DeCicco, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

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Weight loss can occur when people engage in increased physical activity, decrease their caloric intake and eat a healthier selection of foods, which includes minimizing ultraprocessed, fried and sugary foods, the nutritionist said.

Carbonated consequences

While bubbles in carbonated water can create a full feeling, there are also consequences of overindulging, according to DeCicco.

“I can see how drinking carbonated water can make people less hungry because the bubbles do create a feeling of more fullness,” she said. 

“With that being said, people may skip a snack if they’re drinking seltzer, thus reducing caloric intake for the day.”

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On the other hand, DeCicco cautioned, carbonated beverages can make individuals feel bloated and gassy, and can aggravate reflux issues.

“Therefore, it’s not a suggestion of mine to recommend bubbly drinks for anyone with chronic bloating, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or other stomach sensitivities.”

The researchers emphasized that carbonated water consumption “should be integrated into a broader strategy of healthy living rather than relied upon as a primary weight-loss tool.” (iStock)

DeCicco highlighted that the new study only refers to seltzer water and does not include sweetened beverages such as sodas or artificially flavored seltzers, which may be “linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity and increased sugar cravings.” 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

She added, “People want an easy ‘1-2-3 fix’ for weight loss — and I know it’s not the popular statement to make, but long-term weight loss doesn’t stem from doing one thing (like drinking seltzer).”

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“It is individually based, and requires consistency and a change to habits and behaviors for long-term health.”

Water is known to be a great resource for good health, but sparkling water could also offer unique benefits.

A new report, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, suggests that carbonated water may support weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and metabolism in red blood cells.

The researchers aimed to analyze the physiological effects of carbonated water, as it has been found to induce satiety (feelings of fullness) and gastric motility (movement of food through the body), both of which could reduce hunger.

KELLY RIPA SAYS QUITTING ALCOHOL HAD A SURPRISING EFFECT ON HER WEIGHT

In analyzing a study from 2004, the team found that carbonated water may support weight loss by converting to HCO3 – a byproduct of metabolism – in red blood cells and increasing energy production.

But the effect of this is “so small,” the researchers concluded, that it is “difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the CO2 in carbonated water.”

Therefore, the researchers noted that sparkling water should not be used on its own as a weight-loss solution, and should instead be “integrated into a broader strategy of healthy living.”

‘Unlikely’ to do it alone

Study researcher Dr. Akira Takahashi, head of medicine at Tesseikai Neurosurgical Hospital in Osaka, Japan, conducted the original research 20 years ago.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Takahashi said this new report underscores how carbonated water impacts weight loss by promoting the sensation of fullness, which can reduce food intake and lower overall calorie consumption.

OZEMPIC’S HEALTH BENEFITS KEEP GROWING, BUT ARE THE RISKS WORTH IT?

Carbonated water burning calories through CO2 absorption is “insufficient to make a significant difference,” the researcher noted.

“For instance, during hemodialysis, even with a continuous supply of CO₂ for four hours, only about 9.5g of glucose is consumed,” he said. “It would be extremely challenging to drink carbonated water continuously for that duration.” 

(Hemodialysis is a treatment that filters waste and water from the blood for people whose kidneys are not functioning correctly.)

“Further research is necessary to better understand [sparkling water’s] long-term effects and optimize its role in dietary interventions,” the report mentioned. (iStock)

“Therefore, I believe it is unlikely that carbonated water alone could lead to weight loss,” Takahashi said.

Further research is needed to fully understand the effect of carbonation on weight loss due to fullness, according to the researcher.

BRAIN AND MEMORY ARE BOOSTED BY EATING ONE PARTICULAR DIET, STUDY FINDS

“The sensation of fullness when drinking carbonated beverages is thought to result from their physical properties,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“Carbon dioxide released from the bubbles fills the stomach, stimulating stretch receptors. These receptors then signal the brain via the vagus nerve, creating a sensation of fullness.”

“I believe it is unlikely that carbonated water alone could lead to weight loss.”

Carbonated water should be incorporated into a “broader strategy” of healthy living, according to experts.

“Water in general is great for you, but if interested in losing weight, there is more to it,” Dr. Kathleen Jordan, chief medical officer and weight management specialist for MediHealth in California, told Fox News Digital. (Jordan was not part of the research.)

Dietary choices and activity levels are more likely to be impactful, the above expert said, and medications can be “hugely helpful” for those who struggle to manage their weight.

Experts agree that weight loss involves many different factors beyond just one type of water. (iStock)

New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco agreed that more data is needed on what individuals should pair with soda water for weight management.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“As the study points out, there is no one general way to lose weight across the board,” DeCicco, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Weight loss can occur when engaging in increased physical activity, decreasing caloric intake and eating a healthier selection of food, which includes minimizing ultraprocessed, fried and sugary foods, the nutritionist said.

Carbonated consequences

While bubbles in carbonated water can create a full feeling, there are also consequences of overindulging, according to DeCicco.

“I can see how drinking carbonated water can make people less hungry because the bubbles do create a feeling of more fullness, so with that being said, people may skip a snack if they’re drinking seltzer, thus reducing caloric intake for the day,” she commented.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

On the other hand, DeCicco cautioned, carbonated beverages can make individuals feel bloated and gassy, and can aggravate reflux issues.

“Therefore, it’s not a suggestion of mine to recommend bubbly drinks for anyone with chronic bloating, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or other stomach sensitivities.”

The researchers emphasized that carbonated water consumption “should be integrated into a broader strategy of healthy living rather than relied upon as a primary weight-loss tool.” (iStock)

DeCicco highlighted that this study only refers to seltzer water and does not include sweetened beverages like sodas or artificially flavored seltzers, which may be “linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity and increased sugar cravings.” 

“People want an easy ‘1-2-3 fix’ for weight loss — and I know it’s not the popular statement to make, but long-term weight loss doesn’t stem from doing one thing (like drinking seltzer),” she said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“It is individually based, and requires consistency and a change to habits and behaviors for long-term health.”

A man who served in World War II as an airman recently turned 100 years old — and celebrated in style with two different birthday parties. 

He also said the smartphone has been one of the most significant inventions in his lifetime — plus shared his tips for living a long and healthy life. 

John Fife, who lives in Clevedon, in North Somerset in the U.K., turned 100 on Dec. 26, 2024, news agency SWNS reported.

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He celebrated first with family and friends at a hotel — and second with friends and neighbors in the lounge at Coleridge Court, a McCarthy Stone Retiring Living development, as SWNS noted.

He said, “I feel very fortunate that I still enjoy good health and am able to get out and about.”

Born and educated in Edinburgh, Fife said he was called up for national service with the Royal Air Force in 1943. 

He trained as a wireless operator and air gunner in the RAF, SWNS said. 

He then served with Coastal Command Air/Sea Rescue until he was demobilized in 1946.

TO LIVE LONGER, DO THESE 5 THINGS EVERY DAY, SAYS A BRAIN HEALTH EXPERT

After leaving the military, Fife got married and started a career in the civil service with the Post Office Savings Bank in two different locations.

He, his wife and their two sons moved to Glasgow in 1966 where, following the separation of the Savings Bank from the Post Office, he worked on setting up a new headquarters for the Savings Bank, known today in the U.K. as National Savings & Investments, the same source noted.

Even at 100 years old, a World War II veteran said he enjoys making new friends and taking up new activities. (iStock)

During this time, he received special recognition for his services.

“In 1970, I was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the headquarters of the new Department,” Fife said, as SNWS reported.

He retired from the Civil Service in 1984 and moved to Clevedon to be nearer his sons.

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So how does he keep active even today? 

“I start each day with a fixed goal, such as a long walk or going to church, and I love completing jigsaws,” he said, as SWNS reported.

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He said he’s also “made new friends and started new activities since moving to Coleridge Court in 2022.”

A veteran of World War II recently turned 100 years old — and named the smartphone as the most significant technological advance in his lifetime.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When asked for his secrets of living a long life, Fife was quite clear.

“Make a decision to do things and carry them out and do what you can to help the less fortunate,” he said.

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He said medical advances throughout his years on Earth have been extraordinary — and also named the smartphone as probably the most significant development he’s witnessed in his 100 years.