Why Doctors Prescribe Pills Over Lifestyle Changes: Unveiling the Reality

In this episode of 'Healthy Looks Great On You,' host Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper delves into why doctors might opt to prescribe medication instead of recommending lifestyle changes for chronic diseases. Drawing from her extensive experience as an OB-GYN, patient, and healthcare administrator, Dr. Kasper explains the systemic pressures doctors face and highlights the potential of lifestyle medicine. The episode also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, discusses the impact of lifestyle on health, and explores the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: sleep, social connectivity, avoidance of harmful substances, stress management, physical fitness, and nutrition. Dr. Kasper emphasizes the need for a shift towards lifestyle medicine to prevent and manage chronic diseases effectively.

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American College of Lifestyle Medicine

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00:00 The Big Question: Why Pills Over Lifestyle Changes? 00:35 Introducing Healthy Looks Great On You Podcast 00:46 The Transformative Journey of Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper 01:47 Diving Into Lifestyle Medicine 02:59 The Stark Reality of Chronic Diseases and Healthcare Costs 04:35 A Glimpse Into Medical Education and Its Shortcomings 07:27 The Modern Doctor's Dilemma: Internet Diagnosis and Overbooked Schedules 14:28 Exploring the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine 15:04 The Importance of Sleep and Social Connections 17:10 Addressing Harmful Substances and Stress Management 19:21 Physical Fitness and Nutrition: The Final Pillars 21:20 Closing Thoughts: The Challenge and Reward of Lifestyle Changes