NYC Gazette

In a recent article with Salon, Heidi Prather, DO, a physiatrist at HSS, highlights the need for a lifestyle revolution in American healthcare. Dr. Prather advocates for a holistic approach to health that extends beyond medications such as Ozempic.

Many Americans face challenges due to osteoarthritis, which can lead to severe pain and reduced physical activity. However, patients who are obese or overweight often encounter difficulties when seeking orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements. A patient shared her experience with the New York Times: "He told me to come back when I had lost 30 pounds."

This issue is widespread; fewer than half of orthopedic surgeons are willing to operate on patients with a body mass index over 40. Patients dealing with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure also encounter similar obstacles.

Chronic systemic inflammation is the common factor underlying these conditions. This inflammation-driven metabolic condition can both necessitate joint replacement surgery and be the reason doctors refuse to perform it.

Some medical professionals aim to change this situation through "lifestyle medicine." This specialty focuses on evidence-based interventions in behavioral choices to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse diseases caused by chronic systemic inflammation.

Further details can be found in the full article at salon.com.