Education rather than medication

Overmedication has become a pervasive issue in modern healthcare, with pharmaceutical interventions routinely prescribed for preventable, and in many cases reversible, degenerative conditions.

Currently, most doctors receive minimal training in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, meaning that many are not equipped to advise patients on the habits and choices essential for maintaining good health.

Medical curricula predominantly focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions through pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, leaving little room for comprehensive education on nutrition, movement, sleep or stress management. (1)

The average GP is also under severe time restraints, but still has a responsibility to ensure that every patient receives an effective health intervention. In a typical appointment it may not be possible to spend the time required for detailed discussions about the patients’ habits, so medication is often prescribed to prevent further deterioration.

Despite their potential to improve health outcomes, reduce reliance on medications, and ease the overall burden on the NHS, lifestyle interventions remain massively underutilised in clinical practice. (2)

Convenience also plays a significant role in many people’s preference for medication. Simply put – taking a pill is easier than committing to long-term changes.

Consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and proactive stress and sleep management all require sustained effort and commitment, which can be challenging, especially without ongoing support and comprehensive education.

Medications offer an immediate and easily implemented solution. This can discourage patients from making necessary lifestyle adjustments that could lead to substantial health improvements over time, especially if they are not made aware of the potential consequences of taking medication.

Reliance on pharmaceutical treatments can come with significant drawbacks. Many medications used to treat degenerative diseases have side effects; statins used to lower cholesterol can cause liver damage, while certain diabetes medications can lead to metabolic damage and hypoglycaemia. These side effects may necessitate further medication, creating a cascade of drug dependence and increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. (4)

In contrast, lifestyle changes are highly effective in preventing and even reversing degenerative diseases. Regular physical activity, for example, can improve cardiovascular health, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. A diet based on natural, unprocessed foods, including a wide variety of plants, high quality protein and healthy fats, can help manage weight, lower blood pressure, and improve lipid profiles. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga, can reduce chronic stress, which is a significant contributor to various degenerative conditions.

Numerous studies support the efficacy of lifestyle interventions. The Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated that lifestyle changes were more effective than metformin in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. Similarly, the Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease showed that intensive lifestyle changes could actively reverse coronary artery disease. (5) (6)

As the financial burden of those living with a lifestyle related condition continues to rise, it is important to recognise the long-term financial benefits of lifestyle interventions. (7)

The current trend of overmedication is not sustainable. This model relies on symptom management, suppressing the body’s natural response to improper care, comparable to placing a bandage over an infected wound. Whilst suffering might be reduced in the short-term, the wound will continue to be infected, and lead to more severe long-term consequences, as the underling problem has not been addressed.

Rebalancing the focus towards lifestyle change would not only improve patient outcomes, but also reduce the overall burden of chronic diseases on our medical system, as well as wider society. Education rather than medication can empower individuals to take control of their own health, giving them a far greater chance of sustaining good health and functionality well into their old age.

Written by Zoe Hill, Nutritional Chef, Health Content Creator and Yoga Instructor.