Delusions in Health: When Beliefs About Medicine Mislead

When someone insists that delusions, false, fixed beliefs held despite clear evidence to the contrary about health are harmless, they’re often putting lives at risk. These aren’t just quirky ideas—they’re dangerous misunderstandings that lead people to skip real treatment, waste money on scams, or delay care until it’s too late. A delusion isn’t the same as a myth or rumor; it’s a deep-rooted conviction that resists facts, even when a doctor, study, or loved one tries to correct it.

One common type of health delusion involves diabetes medications, prescription drugs like metformin used to control blood sugar. Many believe there’s a safe, over-the-counter substitute—something herbal or natural that works just as well. But there isn’t. Berberine or chromium might help a little, but they don’t replace insulin or metformin for someone with type 2 diabetes. Still, people stop their meds because they read a blog that calls pharmaceuticals "toxic." Another delusion? That IVF, a medical process where eggs are fertilized outside the body to help with infertility lets you pick twins or guarantee a baby. You can’t choose gender or litter size. Clinics now transfer one embryo to avoid risks, yet some still think IVF is like ordering a baby online.

Then there’s the delusion that weight loss drugs, like Ozempic or Wegovy, are magic pills for anyone who wants to lose weight. People think if Kelly Clarkson used it, it’ll work for them—no matter their health history. But these drugs aren’t for casual use. They’re prescribed for specific conditions, come with serious side effects, and require insurance approval. Still, social media tells them otherwise. And when someone believes they can "detox" their kidneys with cucumber water alone, ignoring years of high blood pressure or diabetes, that’s not wellness—it’s a delusion with consequences.

These aren’t just about ignorance. They’re tied to fear, distrust in doctors, or the lure of quick fixes. People who’ve been burned by bad healthcare or overpriced treatments often cling to simpler stories, even if they’re false. A delusion feels comforting because it gives control in a world full of uncertainty. But when it comes to your body, comfort can be deadly.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of myths to debunk. It’s a collection of real, evidence-based guides that cut through the noise. From dental implants you shouldn’t get to the truth about IVF costs, from kidney drinks that actually help to the risks of skipping metformin—each post answers the questions people are too scared or confused to ask. No fluff. No hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and why.