Dr. Mehmet Oz has built his television empire on a simple promise that you can take control of your health.
More than 13 seasons “Dr. Oz Show ”from 2009 to 2022 told viewers what to eat, how to exercise, what accessories need to be taken and when to worry about symptoms.
The heart surgeon turned the daily host is an unconventional selection that operates Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees health insurance programs for more than 150 million people per nationwide. However, its long -term focus on prevention seems to be in line with Trump’s administration these intentions solve American chronic “epidemic” disease.
The New York Times analyzed the claim that Dr. Oz has taken on preventive health measures on 2,500 television appearances, clips of “The Dr. OZ Show ”, contributions on social media and other public statements. Then we asked experts to consider evidence for some of his common claims.
Much from the advice of Dr. OZ is rooted in strong science and conventional wisdom: Go well, move more, prefer sleep. But also often pushed products and hacks that don’t have little scientific evidence that shows that averting disease and evoke control from Congress and from scientists. In some cases it has had financial ties to the products he promoted.
Some of his claims raised worries among medical experts about how Dr. OZ could use its perch if it is confirmed.
Dr. Marion Nestle, emeritus professor of nutrition, food and public health studies at New York University, said some of the speech of Dr. Oz, such as weight loss and supplements, were “surprising, coming from someone with a medical training that you would think would be a little scientifically approaching.”
“But on many occasions he said he wanted to give people hope,” she added.
Dr. Oz did not answer the comment.
Claims: Fish oil and supplements of Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart
In the online columns and on the episodes of his show Dr. OZ discussed the extensive advantages of the “superstar” omega-3 fatty acids in food. He also offered fish oil accessories that contain Omega-3 as a way to prevent heart disease and other conditions. Accessories include accessories sold to IHERB, a company in which he worked as a spokesman and invested.
Many people without heart disease take fish oil pills to prevent it, but Study reviews They did not find on fish oil that these supplements were preventing cardiovascular problems, Dr. Pieter Cohen, Associate Professor at the Harvard Faculty of Medicine, who studies supplements.
“I see it all the time,” he added. “People who are absolutely healthy will be like,” Oh yeah, I’ll take Omega-3. “
Some studies They even found that fish oil pills can actually increase the risk of developing irregular rhythm. However, there is evidence that people with existing heart diseases or high levels of triglycerides may to benefit from accessories. And extensive research shows that eating diet rich in fatty acids is beneficial for your overall health.
Claim: Sunlight will be healthier
Spend 15 to 20 minutes of heating in the sun without a sunscreen can cure any number of diseases, said Dr. Oz in its show, in blog posts and tiktoku. It may encourage you, reduce depression, reduce the risk of cancer and reduce blood pressure, claimed. Most often attributed these benefits Vitamin Dwhich skin produces when exposed to ultraviolet light.
About vitamin D. Dr. OZ has a large amount of scientific discussion picked up Before his spectators, but also promoted Vitamin D supplements, including supplements sold by IHERB.
Although vitamin D is an essential nutrient for strong bones, Americans also obtain it from their diet, including fortified foods, Dr. Steven Wang, head of dermatology in Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California and Great Research points has were inconclusive regarding other health benefitsas a reduction Incidence of cancer, heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, Dr. Wang said, there is a known risk associated with chronic sun exposure: skin cancer. About five million new cases are diagnosed in the United States every year.
Claim: Some meat increases the risk of cancer
Eat red, processed or burned meat only in moderation, or avoid them completely, Dr. He recommended Ozh in his show, television appearances and public posts. This leadership is based on its concerns that they increase the risk of cancer.
At this point, experts agree. Exists Evidence This consumption of red and processed meat increases the risk of digestive and other cancer, said Carrie Daniel-Macdougall, a nutritional epidemiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. Iron in the meat, along with chemicals used to maintain, or that are produced during cooking at very high temperatures, can damage DNA, cause inflammation and produce toxic compounds during digestion, said Dr. Daniel-Macdougall.
Claim: Accessories work for weight loss
Pine NUTS, Apple Avert vinegar, Teatoxing, accessories containing green channel extract, raspberries ketones: List of hacks for weight loss Dr. Over the years has promoted over the years.
“Thanks to these kinds of things, people feel as if they are doing something positive for their health,” Dr. Nestle.
However, there is no strict research to support weight loss supplements, said Dr. Cohen. Some products may have theoretical benefits of Dr. OZ – for example, Dr. Nestle stated that it is possible that fermentation in apple vinegar It can help slightly with digestion. However, there is no substantial evidence that these items lead to weight loss.
Claims: Probiotics are good for intestinal health
Dr. OZ spoke about the benefits of probiotics – living microorganisms sometimes known as “good bacteria” – including improving bowel health. He promoted Iherb’s probiotic supplements on social media.
One theory for the benefits of probiotics is that they strengthen intestinal microbiom. However, there is no consensus about whether a generic probiotic pill helps healthy people, said Justin L. Sonnenburg, professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. The content of these accessories may also vary. And because everyone has a different intestinal microbioma, people’s response to specific probiotics is difficult to predict, he said.
Dr. However, Sonnenburg recommends eating foods like kimchi and kefir, which contain microbes that are good for the intestine. These meals also contain beneficial substances called metabolites that are not in most accessories.
Claim: You should exercise to reduce the risk of illness
Dr. Oz Long supported exercises on his show as a way to avert Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular problems and more. Many research has shown that it is legitimate. And regular Short explosions of exercise -as a 10 -minute or less training routine Dr. Oz often highlighted on his show-only associated with lower chances of cancer and other diseases. Exercise also strengthens the brain, strengthens heart health and Improves the immune systemDefense against infections.
Claim: Socialization is vital to good health
Your heart needs a reason to continue beating, Dr. Oz told his fans over and over again. He called loneliness “epidemic”. On the Valentine’s Day published tiktok In front of a statue of families in the National Gallery in Washington, DC, we believe that friendships “reduce your blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, your anxiety, depression”.
Scientists have theorized that social connections are necessary to master stress, which in turn can help keep blood pressure under control. Social insulation was also interconnected to an increased risk of depression, heart disease and cognitive decline, especially between Older adults. And studies have found link between social isolation and chronic pain.
Claim: Poor sleep increases the risk of cancer
America faces and “Sleep of the crisis,” According to Dr. Oz. Said that insufficient sleep can Increase your cancer risklead to high blood pressure And makes it difficult to lose weight.
“Sleep is beneficial for your health, but a set of evidence of sleep and cancer length is not consistent,” said Trang Vopham, epidemiologist at the Fred Hutch Cancer Cancer in Washington. Several studies and research reviews found no association Among them, while several of them combined sleep for nine or more hours with an increased risk of colon cancer.
Dr. Vopham said there was evidence that night shift workers whose schedules are chronically incorrectly balanced by their exposure to light are exposed to increased risk obesity and cancer. Chronic bad sleep is also associated with an increased risk Insulin resistance and high blood pressure.