Why do so many people think nutrition doesn't affect their health much?

[deppjonny9]

I've noticed this a lot when I talk to people around me and online. Many say nutrition isn't a big deal for health and focus more on taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs to feel better. Even when it comes to losing weight, some argue that simply eating fewer calories is all that matters (which is true, but it's much easier to eat fewer calories on a healthy diet compared to fast food). Why do you think this is?

 

[Bento88slot]

Honestly, I haven't encountered this much. As someone dealing with physical chronic illness, I'm surprised by how many people believe I could eat my way to better health instead of relying on medication. I only take the minimum medication necessary to survive, but without it, I'd be in serious trouble. Yet, people often ask if I've tried eating seeds, superfoods, or various diets like keto, carnivore, or plant-based, thinking they could cure me.

 

[SuicideGripMe]

If you've never learned, you won't know. We neglect teaching nutrition. We prioritize overconsumption and profits over health.

 

[drmamakhulusum]

Because it's simpler to pop pills than to understand nutrition and adjust your lifestyle. Even many doctors lack knowledge about nutrition and prefer prescribing medication.

 

[sidfahad]

Nutrition education isn’t standardized, and online misinformation is widespread. Basic medical school doesn't focus much on nutrition. While you might learn about amino acids, you won't learn about meal choices.

 

[Saidin22]

I don't believe it's as widespread. Many understand the importance of nutrition. However, most people don't lead healthy or balanced lives, and they often seek shortcuts, if they're interested in change at all. But I disagree with your main point.

 

[shanumsh]

I have a colleague who relies on ozempic to manage her weight and insulin to control her blood sugar. She eats whatever she wants, like donuts and muffins in the morning, cheese fries for lunch, and so on, but she thinks it's fine because she adjusts with her insulin and stays at a healthy weight. Then she complains about her A1c being high and how tough life is with diabetes... but she keeps on eating junk. I'm pretty sure that at least 95% of her diet consists of processed carbohydrates.

 

[Movieleatherja]

Drug companies invest heavily in advertising, promoting the idea that good health comes from the right medication. This message is pervasive in medical education. If you watch anything with commercial breaks, you'll notice that 9 out of 10 ads are for prescription drugs. When you visit the doctor, they seldom inquire about your diet or offer recommendations beyond generic advice like "eat less, move more," if they address lifestyle impacts on health at all.

 

[makeannnnee]

I collaborate with a doctor who's exceptional in this regard because he's extensively researched nutrition independently. He often says, "I can advise you on what you need to do to manage X, or I can prescribe something to alleviate the symptoms." I've also heard him say, "You could cut half of your medications right now if you lost 30 pounds (or whatever)." The majority of people opt for medication over lifestyle changes. Some agree to see a dietitian or claim they'll make changes, but very few actually follow through.

 

[paulinkansas]

Nutrition education is lacking across the board. It's not taught in elementary or high school. Even in medical school, the focus tends to be on pharmaceuticals rather than the science behind healthy lifestyles. Though there's some progress, it's not happening quickly enough.

There's a whole industry profiting from ultra-processed foods (UPF), which keep the population hooked on their calorie-dense, low-nutrition products. They lobby regulators to permit misleading nutritional claims on packaging. For example, a cereal like choco pops might boast being a 'good source of fiber,' but it's made from GMO ultra-processed wheat and contains a whopping 8 teaspoons of sugar per serving, a fact conveniently ignored.

 

[ironwill2008]

We all believe what makes us right

 

[Cerege]

It's for the same reason that some individuals believe that adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet affects their health.