In recent weeks, top health officials in the United States have suggested a controversial approach to tackle the soaring costs of prescription drugs: encouraging Americans to take fewer medications.
Although the intent behind this proposal is rooted in promoting healthier lifestyles, health policy experts argue that it places undue blame on patients while sidelining critical factors influencing drug pricing.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary mentioned the alarming rise of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes among young people, suggesting that reducing medication usage could help lower drug prices. “Let’s not forget that the best way to lower drug prices is to stop taking drugs we don’t need,” he stated during a recent event.
Similarly, Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emphasized at a White House celebration for his confirmation that healthy individuals consume fewer healthcare resources, suggesting that reducing unnecessary medications was a path to lowering drug spending.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also adopting a public health initiative aimed at addressing chronic diseases. His upcoming ad campaign, “Take Back Your Health,” encourages Americans to pledge to improve their diets and exercise
Yet, as chronic diseases wrack millions of lives and drain the economy, shifting focus onto patients as the main culprits in rising drug costs may not be effective. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately 75% of adults in the U.S. had at least one chronic condition in 2023, with its prevalence rising sharply among younger adults in recent years.
Health experts are concerned that the narrative linking drug costs predominantly to lifestyle choices overlooks essential truths. Many individuals rely on prescription medications due to conditions unrelated to their behaviors.
Dr. Adam Gaffney, a critical care physician and Harvard Medical School assistant professor, remarked, “We have the highest drug prices in the world, and when that’s the case, you’re going to be spending a lot on drugs, regardless of whether you’re healthier or sicker.”
Health policy professor Stacie Dusetzina of Vanderbilt University argued that even with every lifestyle tool at hand, people would still face health issues. “People should not be blamed for their need for medication,” she asserted.
The rhetoric from high-ranking officials around medication usage mirrors Kennedy’s stance on treating Americans as overmedicated and reliant on pharmaceuticals.
Kennedy has had a controversial history with comments on medications, including a skeptical view on antidepressants, which he described as potentially more addictive than heroin—a claim unsupported by evidence. He has also criticized popular diabetes drugs like Ozempic, suggesting that pharmaceutical companies exploit Americans’ health needs for profit.
Amidst these discussions, the Trump administration reportedly chose not to advance a Biden administration proposal that would allow Medicare coverage for weight loss drugs, indicating a shift in strategy towards individual responsibility over systemic reform.
While proponents of the idea of getting healthier through lifestyle changes acknowledge that these adjustments might lead to reduced healthcare spending and increase overall well-being, experts point out that many chronic illnesses cannot be controlled simply through diet and exercise.
Larry Levitt of KFF, a health policy research organization, stated that while few would argue against improving nutrition and exercise as a way to mitigate chronic illnesses, chronic diseases like Type 1 diabetes and certain cancers are beyond a patient’s control.
Dr. Gaffney pointed out that attributing high drug costs solely to poor health choices in America is simply inaccurate.
A report from 46brooklyn, a nonprofit focused on U.S. drug pricing, showed that pharmaceutical companies raised net prices—post-rebates and discounts—on 963 brand-name drugs in January 2025, an increase from 896 in January 2024.
The drugs affected included crucial medications for conditions such as autoimmune diseases, rare immune deficiencies, various cancers, and diabetes management.
Dr. Gaffney criticized the framing of the narrative around medication as inherently negative.
“Many older adults, even those who exercise and eat well, still have difficulty controlling their blood pressure and rely on medications to live. If they didn’t take them, they would likely end up in the hospital with heart attack or stroke, ballooning health care costs,” he explained.
The ongoing debate raises vital questions about responsibility for health and wellness in a society where the pharmaceutical industry’s pricing practices remain opaque and often exorbitant.
An HHS spokesperson said in a statement that the Trump administration is committed to lowering prescription drug costs while ensuring safety and quality.
However, experts argue for a shift in discourse. Dr. Gaffney emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of prescription medications in extending lives and enhancing health when used appropriately.
In a landscape where chronic diseases predominantly affect millions, the challenge for health officials lies in balancing responsibility with the reality of healthcare needs.
Possibly, instead of placing blame on patient choices, the focus should shift to addressing the high costs imposed by pharmaceutical companies and finding meaningful reforms in prescription drug pricing.
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