Boxing legend Mike Tyson took center stage during Super Bowl LX, not for his athletic prowess but for advocating healthier eating habits to the American public. In a powerful 30-second advertisement aired amidst the game's festivities, Tyson partnered with the nonprofit MAHA Center to promote a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. This initiative is in line with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to encourage better eating practices across the nation.
The commercial featured Tyson sharing his personal battles with weight gain and processed foods, providing a candid glimpse into his struggles. "I was so fat and nasty, I would eat anything," Tyson confessed. "I was like 345 pounds. I would eat a quart of ice cream every hour. I had so much self-hate when I was like that, I just wanted to kill myself." The ad took on an emotional tone as Tyson honored his late sister Denise, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 25, a tragedy he attributes to obesity.
In a poignant conclusion to the spot, Tyson is seen eating an apple with his son, symbolizing a commitment to healthier living. This image stood in stark contrast to the processed snacks and sugary beverages that were also promoted during the Super Bowl commercials. The advertisement directs viewers to visit RealFood.gov, a website detailing the federal dietary guidelines under the MAHA program.
Tony Lyons, founder of the MAHA Center, stated that the campaign's goal was to match the reach and impact of major consumer brands. The ad placement was funded by donations from supporters of Kennedy’s health initiative and is part of a broader campaign that includes digital advertising and taxicab displays in major U.S. and Canadian cities. The campaign utilizes hashtags such as #BiteLikeMike and #ProcessedFoodKills to further amplify its message.
Originally initiated under the Trump administration, the MAHA initiative has been actively expanding its public health agenda. It has introduced updated dietary guidelines, advocated for reforms in the SNAP benefits system to favor whole foods, improved school lunches, and proposed changes to military food procurement. These actions reflect a national effort to curb obesity and diet-related health issues.
The ad's straightforward message about the dangers of obesity and ultraprocessed foods has garnered attention for its boldness and controversy. Obesity medicine specialist Dr. Holly F. Lofton from ABC News acknowledged the effectiveness of the ad in highlighting the health risks associated with excessive consumption of processed foods, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. However, she emphasized the need for sensitivity and personalized guidance when discussing weight and nutrition. "You never know where anyone is in their weight journey," Dr. Lofton advised. "Discussion with healthcare providers is key to sustainable results."
The campaign arrives at a time when ultraprocessed foods make up approximately 70 percent of the U.S. food supply. While proponents stress the urgency of dietary changes, critics argue that factors like accessibility, affordability, and convenience often make it challenging for many Americans to completely avoid processed food options.
Tyson's involvement in the campaign underscores his personal commitment to health and recovery. He has openly discussed his own weight fluctuations, once exceeding 300 pounds, and his journey towards adopting healthier habits, including during exhibition bouts against Roy Jones Jr. and Jake Paul. In 2025, Tyson even launched a vegan ice cream brand, indicating his dedication to promoting nutritional awareness.
The advertisement resonates with recent government initiatives, such as the revised dietary pyramid introduced at the White House by Kennedy and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, which advocates for a reduction in highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Through his personal narrative and the campaign's wider public health message, Tyson aims to inspire Americans to implement meaningful changes in their daily eating habits.
