Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) has announced its support for Senate Bill 1645 and House Bill 4210, which aim to initiate a comprehensive study on chronic disease, metabolic health, and healthcare costs in Texas. The announcement was made through a press release on March 13, 2025.
According to MTHA, SB 1645 will commission a study conducted by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. This study is set to analyze trends in chronic disease, nutrition, and healthcare spending over the past five decades in Texas. It will gather data on diet, lifestyle, and healthcare costs to provide lawmakers with information for future policy considerations.
The study will examine trends in diet, physical activity, and disease prevalence while assessing the economic impact of healthcare spending. It aims to track shifts in nutrition, including processed food consumption and sugar intake; examine lifestyle changes such as screen time and physical activity levels; and quantify the rise in conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, it will evaluate the financial burden on Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance to inform future policy decisions.
"This study is long overdue," said Travis McCormick, Founder of MTHA. "Texas is facing a chronic disease epidemic, and we cannot afford to ignore the root causes any longer. By analyzing long-term trends in metabolic health, nutrition, and healthcare spending, SB 1645 and HB 4210 will give legislators the insight they need to make informed policy decisions that prioritize prevention, improve health outcomes, and ultimately reduce costs for Texas taxpayers."
Make Texans Healthy Again is described as a grassroots initiative focused on addressing chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and preventable health issues within Texas. According to its mission statement on their website, MTHA seeks to educate policymakers and the public while advocating for state policies that emphasize "personal freedom," preventative care, and holistic wellness. The organization plans to provide legislators with research and testimonies to support informed decision-making while tracking healthcare-related bills and offering updates to the public.
