Australians Favour Medicines over Lifestyle Changes to Maintain Good Health

Tuesday 17 May

New research shows medicine number one option for maintaining health

New research has revealed less than one third of Australians include healthy habits such as diet and exercise when taking prescription medicine to manage their health condition.¹

Only one in five Australians (21%) reported using a combination of medicine and healthy habits to manage their high cholesterol, with 1 in 2 Australians relying on prescription medicine alone.² In addition, only 28% of Australians with type two diabetes combine prescription medicine and healthy habits to manage their condition.³

The research also shows that 70% of Australians suffer from a health condition, including high cholesterol, depression, chronic pain and diabetes.⁴ For 66% of Australians, prescription medicines are the most commonly used method to treat these conditions.⁵

Dr John D’Arcy, a family physician and medical commentator said, “The research suggests that too many of us are relying on medicines to improve our health, when that is only part of the health equation.⁶ Medicine has a powerful role to play when we are sick but there are so many other factors which are able to make us well again. To be truly healthy requires more than medication. An all round approach which combines both healthy habits and the appropriate use of medicine is far more beneficial in improving health outcomes.”

To encourage Australians to take a holistic approach to managing their health, Pfizer Australia has launched the More than Medication website, www.morethanmedication.com.au. The website aims to increase the health knowledge of all Australians so they can become active partners in managing their health alongside their healthcare professional.

According to Dr D’Arcy, the More than Medication website is an important source of information for Australians looking to improve their health and wellness outcomes through a combined approach covering medicine and lifestyle changes.

“The website provides all Australians with an opportunity to draw on expert advice and tips on how to combine healthy habits with medicine to manage their health or medical condition,” he said.

Almost 1 in 2 Australians (47.5%) consider themselves well informed about good health practices,⁷ with almost 60% of the population stating they try to include healthy habits to maintain their health and wellness.⁸

“Although many people think they are on the right track towards staying healthy, this research indicates we could do so much more by incorporating additional lifestyle changes into our daily lives,” said Dr D’Arcy.

"The More than Medication website is a great first step for people looking for information and advice on how they can start making healthy changes to their lifestyle to not only to stay well but to also help prevent the development of chronic conditions,” he said.

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