Can medications replace healthy lifestyle measures?

Can medications replace healthy lifestyle measures?

A patient who has been on statins, which are a cholesterol-lowering medication, had his cholesterol level drop by 80 points reaching 160mg. A cholesterol level of less than 200mg is considered normal. Now the question is, can he go back to burgers, french fries and fried food?

The ability of the medication to control this individual’s cholesterol is good and the evidence regarding the effectiveness of statins to lower cholesterol in certain patients is well established. But disregarding a healthy diet in such situations is a reason for concern. Medications do not themselves replace the on-going need for healthy lifestyle measures such as a balanced diet, stopping smoking and physical activity. Relying only on medications in place of proven healthy lifestyle measures is not acceptable. Healthy lifestyle measures have benefits for a wide range of medical conditions, and adhering to them has advantages that go beyond the statistics we read about in medical literature. Going back to old habits and eating fast food may not affect cholesterol levels – assuming that one remains on statins – but unhealthy food still affects other parts of the body. One still needs sufficient fiber, vitamins and minerals – combined with physical exercise – to remain healthy. There is also the possibility that long-term use of certain medications may be detrimental to health. Recent research has also raised the possibility that statins may actually increase a person’s likelihood of developing type-2 diabetes.

Doctors can do amazing things and provide medication for illnesses that were once incurable. But the best way to remain fit and healthy is still to take control of your own life rather than relying on someone else to do that for you.

Remember, it’s your life, your future, Your Health First.