US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blamed Big Tobacco for driving America's obesity and chronic disease crisis. In a 77 WABC radio interview, Kennedy said cigarette companies, facing lawsuits and tighter smoking rules, moved into the food business. "They purchased major packaged food companies and used scientific expertise to design products that encouraged repeat consumption," he said. Kennedy explained that tobacco firms like Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds applied their "addiction science" from cigarettes to create ultra-processed foods made to keep people eating. These foods are "chemically engineered to taste good while offering little nutritional satisfaction," he added, contributing to overeating and worsening health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Kennedy clarified he does not mean tobacco is actually added to food, but that companies design foods to spark cravings and repeated use. Researchers note many ultra-processed foods contain high sugar, salt, and fat, plus textures and flavors meant to be highly rewarding and easy to eat. Historically, tobacco companies bought and controlled big food brands in the late 20th century, expanding their influence beyond cigarettes. Kennedy’s comments highlight how their marketing and product research skills shaped consumer cravings and diets. The link between tobacco and food addiction is debated among scientists. Still, the idea that ultra-processed foods cause addiction-like eating has gained political attention by shifting blame from personal choices to product design and marketing. Kennedy called the problem a public health emergency and supports the "Make America Healthy Again" plan to reduce chronic disease by limiting ultra-processed foods. His remarks come during discussions on food industry responsibility and stronger rules to tackle obesity in the US. His main point: the obesity crisis is about corporate engineering of consumption, not just individual willpower.