Margo Wootan

@KevinH_PhD A loss for the scientific community and food studies. I hope you land somewhere where you can continue your important work.

After 21 years at my dream job, I’m very sad to announce my early retirement from the National Institutes of Health. My life’s work has been to scientifically study how our food environment affects what we eat, and how what we eat affects our physiology. Lately, I’ve focused on unravelling the reasons why diets high in ultra-processed food are linked to epidemic proportions of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Our research leads the world on this topic. Given recent bipartisan goals to prevent diet-related chronic diseases, and new agency leadership professing to prioritize scientific investigation of ultra-processed foods, I had hoped to expand our research program with ambitious plans to more rapidly and efficiently determine how our food is likely making Americans chronically sick. Unfortunately, recent events have made me question whether NIH continues to be a place where I can freely conduct unbiased science. Specifically, I experienced censorship in the reporting of our research because of agency concerns that it did not appear to fully support preconceived narratives of my agency’s leadership about ultra-processed food addiction. I was hoping this was an aberration. So, weeks ago I wrote to my agency’s leadership expressing my concerns and requested time to discuss these issues, but I never received a response. Without any reassurance there wouldn’t be continued censorship or meddling in our research, I felt compelled to accept early retirement to preserve health insurance for my family. (Resigning later in protest of any future meddling or censorship would result in losing that benefit.) Due to very tight deadlines to make this decision, I don’t yet have plans for my future career. The NIH has been a wonderful place because it allows scientists to take risks, form unique collaborations, and do studies difficult to conduct elsewhere. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m fortunate to have had such wonderful colleagues and scientific collaborators. I hope to someday return to government service and lead a research program that will continue to provide gold-standard science to make Americans healthy.

Be part of the @US_FDA’s Human Food Program mission-driven team & help protect the nation’s food supply. We are excited to announce several HFP executive career opportunities. All positions are posted Aug 1–30, 2024. #hiring #jobopenings #foodscientists fda.gov/about-fda/cent…

@AmyMatAm @sciam So interesting. Wild Sun Rescue Center, which I work with, has a breeding and reintroduction program for scarlet macaws. After all people have done to decimate species, they need help to recover. wildsunrescue.org/scarlet-macaw-…

Assisted reproduction and private lands: the new face of #endangeredspecies conservation? Read about saving wild #ocelots in my latest for @sciam scientificamerican.com/article/a-bold…

More growth, more hiring @CATCHhealth !! Come join our awesome team bringing physical & mental health programs to millions of K-12 kids each year.. catch.org/jobs

I’m excited to help @WHO accelerate progress on trans fat globally. In 1993, I co-authored the petition to the @US_FDA to require trans fat labeling. As the science grew, @CSPI led the effort to eliminate trans fat from the US food supply. who.int/about/people/b…

I’m delighted to join the @WHO Trans Fat Elimination Technical Advisory Group (TFATAG) to assist countries in adopting policies to eliminate trans fat and reduce heart disease. who.int/about/people/b…

Learn what can be done to strengthen nutrition security through the farm bill and quick, concrete ways that you can support these efforts: bit.ly/3HiSFXP @CSPI @eatright @CenterOnBudget @fgs_global @AmericanU

Leading food and nutrition experts share timely opportunities to alleviate hunger and increase equitable access to affordable, healthy food through the farm bill. Watch here: bit.ly/3HiSFXP

[On the #ThriftyFoodPlan revision] "While modest, it was a meaningful increase-- & what we found is that modest amount lifted 2.4 M people including 1 M children above the poverty line & decreased food insecurity for tens of millions." @TyJonesCox

Terrific job opportunity @NatWICAssoc to set up and direct Center for Innovative Practices in WIC. nwica.org/nwa_jobs/direc…

We've partnered with @Empaticoorg!🎉 Explore teamwork through #physicalactivity with your students & invite students from around the world to explore games played in their communities using CATCH's Virtual Activity: "Ready, Set, Go" #empatico #sparkempathy embedded-library.empatico.org/classroom-acti…

Join discussion of the provisions, politics and prospects for the farm bill--a must-pass policy and an opportunity to achieve recommendations from the White House Summit and National Strategy on Food, Nutrition and Health. Register here: bit.ly/AU2023SpringWe…

@AmericanU webinar will kick off with a primer on the provisions, politics, and prospects for #farmbill–a must-pass policy and opportunity to achieve @WhiteHouse Summit and National Strategy on Food/ Nutrition recommendations. Register here: bit.ly/AU2023SpringWe…

@CATCHhealth @CATCHhealth is lucky to have Margot on the team. Thanks for all you do, Margot!!

CATCH produces a range of programs that meet the diverse needs of students & teachers across the world. This wouldn't be possible without a hardworking team! Check out how Margot Toppen's unique talents and passions shine through as CATCH's VP of Programs.

SNAP consumers account for one-quarter of total CPG spend, and are more likely to have children, live in urban areas and be in the bottom 30th percentile in purchasing power compared to non-SNAP consumers. supermarketnews.com/consumer-trend…

Listened to an interesting @HarvardChanSPH seminar on sleep and health today. Getting enough routine, consolidated sleep helps with better self-control, replenishes self-regulation energy, body weight, productivity, mental health, cognitive function... youtube.com/watch?v=MQHNT6…

YOU can help enhance the updated #WICFoodPackage by submitting comments to @USDA! Here's how to make your voice heard: bit.ly/wicfoodpackage

New funding opportunity from @HEResearch focuses on the impact of poverty reduction policies on child health and well-being. Read more and apply: bit.ly/3kWgjRL

Increases in #WIC benefits have been shown to increase the amounts of healthy foods consumed by WIC kids. Let @USDA know today: More healthy foods make for healthier kids! Take action: bit.ly/wicfoodpackage

Today, we simply want to say #ThankYou for being part of our mission to create a healthier world for all children.♥️ We truly couldn’t do this work without your support! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday week.