Mike Tyson takes on America’s obesity crisis alongside Donald Trump

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has announced that he will support an obesity initiative backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, shifting his focus from the ring to public health advocacy.

According to Polish news outlet o2.pl, Tyson presented the decision as a personal mission rooted in his upbringing and family tragedy rather than as a political statement.

Personal loss shapes new mission

Tyson said he grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, an area he described as one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods, where inexpensive, heavily processed food was often the most accessible option for families with limited means.

In comments reported by o2.pl, Tyson recalled that his sister died at 25 from complications related to obesity. He said the loss left a lasting mark on him and motivated him to speak out about the health challenges facing low income communities.

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“Jeg havde en søster, der døde af fedme i en alder af 25. Og der hvor jeg kommer fra, Brownsville, Brooklyn, er det det farligste og fattigste kvarter i New York, hvor ultraforarbejdet mad var almindelig,” Tyson said, according to the outlet.

Growing up with limited choices

Tyson also described how financial hardship shaped his family’s eating habits. He said that when money was tight and the household relied on food assistance, cheaper products high in sugar and fat were often the only realistic option.

“Nie mieliśmy dużo pieniędzy, ale mieliśmy bony żywnościowe, a za nie można było kupić słodycze, cukier, napoje gazowane i te wszystkie zepsute rzeczy,” he said, as quoted by o2.pl.

He argued that such conditions continue to affect families in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, where healthier alternatives can be harder to find or afford.

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Why Tyson calls it his biggest fight

Using language drawn from his boxing career, Tyson described the campaign against obesity as the defining struggle of his life.

“To największa walka w moim życiu,” he said while announcing his support for the Donald Trump administration’s initiative, according to o2.pl.

While specific policy details have not been outlined publicly, Tyson indicated that he hopes his involvement will draw attention to how poverty, food access and long term health outcomes are closely linked in parts of the United States.

Sources: o2.pl

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