Epoch HealthNot Just Cholesterol: 4 Health Myths That Persist Despite Evidence, Says Johns Hopkins Professor

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Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and professor, examines how cognitive dissonance in medicine leads to the persistence of outdated practices despite contrary evidence. In his new book Blind Spots, he identifies specific cases where medical dogma continues to influence patient care, even when research indicates alternative approaches would be more effective. The analysis focuses on four major areas where medical practices have remained resistant to change despite new evidence.

Key Points:

• Cognitive Bias Impact: 60% of medical practices are based on discretionary judgment rather than concrete scientific evidence, highlighting the influence of conventional thinking over evidence-based medicine
• Peanut Allergy Evolution: Early-2000s AAP guidelines recommending delayed peanut introduction until age three contributed to a tripled rate of peanut allergies. Research later proved early exposure reduces allergy risk
• Hormone Replacement Therapy Reassessment: The 2002 NIH study linking HRT to breast cancer led to an 80% reduction in prescriptions. Subsequent research showed HRT can actually reduce breast cancer risk in some cases and provide significant health benefits
• Antibiotic Concerns: Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings links early-life antibiotic use (before age two) to increased risk of asthma, obesity, and either atopic dermatitis or ADHD
• Cholesterol Paradigm Shift: The American Heart Association’s 2015 guideline revision acknowledged dietary cholesterol is not the primary cardiovascular risk factor previously believed, shifting focus to sugar and processed carbohydrates

“People who actively work to be open and objective are impressive. They don’t hop on bandwagons without compelling evidence. And they possess the courage to challenge assumptions and swim against the current.”
– Dr. Marty Makary

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