On Friday, The White House announced that President Trump intends to appoint Mehmet Oz, or Dr. Oz as most people know him, to his council on sport, fitness, and nutrition. (The White House also announced Trump will appoint former bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, famous for playing the Hulk in the 1970s and ’80s, and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick to the council for two-year terms.1)
“Oz is well-known as a host of an eponymous television show on health and medical issues and, before that, for appearances on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ But he has become a lightning rod for controversy for featuring what critics say is unscientific advice on his show.In 2014, a congressional panel questioned Oz over his promotion of weight-loss products on his television show.”2
The following year, a group of (what many called pharma shill) doctors criticized him saying he “manifested ‘an egregious lack of integrity’ in his TV and promotional work” and called for him to resign his faculty position at Columbia University.
However, Oz defended himself at the time, saying, “I bring the public information that will help them on their path to be their best selves. We provide multiple points of view, including mine which is offered without conflict of interest.”3 And let me tell you, not every doctor can make that claim!
The President’s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and according to their website, “engages, educates, and empowers all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.”
