Physical Exercise is the Best Medicine

By Gabe Hirsh ‘26
Physical exercise is the most available medicine the world offers.
Many pharmaceutical drugs, including painkillers and antidepressants, come with potential side effects. Relying on pills may lead to unwanted side effects, and in some cases, individuals may become dependent on these medications, which can pose long-term risks such as addiction. Medications can sometimes mask underlying problems rather than addressing the root causes. Medications may also include side effects. 

For example, let's examine two common medications to illustrate this point:

1. Ozempic (Diabetes Medication): At least 15% of individuals using Ozempic, a medication prescribed for diabetes, report side effects such as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. These side effects can be uncomfortable and affect an individual's quality of life.
   
2. Escitalopram (Antidepressant): More than 5% of people taking escitalopram, an antidepressant, experience side effects such as tiredness, nausea, headaches, or constant sweating. While these side effects may be less common and generally considered less severe, they can still impact an individual's well-being.
   

Unlike these medications, exercise can address these issues more directly. For instance, if you are struggling with weight loss, you can go for a run. Some of the side effects of exercise are soreness and injuries, however, soreness can go away with patience and proper rest and injuries can be prevented with proper technique. 
“I feel much better after exercising because it pumps me up for the rest of the day unlike medicine which can have side effects and isn’t natural,” said sophomore Alex Marillo.
There are two important studies related to health and well-being that illuminate the benefits of physical health. The first investigates the impact of a single 30-second bike sprint on cellular scavenging (ability of cells to remove harmful molecules or free radicals) in our bodies. These harmful molecules can damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. The researchers found that one sprint increased cellular scavenging by up to 178 percent. 
One of the main components of cellular scavenging is the presence of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of many diseases, such as certain cancers and heart diseases. Cellular scavenging activity is an essential defense mechanism to maintain the overall health and function of cells.
The second study shows the effects of exercise compared to antidepressants on mood enhancement. These findings underscore the potential of exercise as an effective method for improving mood and mental health, offering an alternative approach to traditional pharmaceutical treatment. 
Over a 16-week period, a group of subjects underwent an intriguing experiment. One set received escitalopram, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, while the other engaged in outdoor running sessions lasting 45 minutes, occurring two to three times weekly. The findings were remarkable, concluding, “After 16 weeks, 45 percent of patients in the antidepressant group vs. 43 percent in the running group no longer had a DSM-IV based depression or anxiety disorder,” says the Journal of Affective Disorders. This amount competes with or is better than most antidepressants. 
Although exercise has proven to be more effective, the overreliance on medication still presents a higher demand. This is likely driven by social trends. 
In modern society, medicine creates an expectation for quick fixes and immediate relief from health issues. This instant gratification can lead people to prefer medication as it promises rapid results, unlike exercise, which requires time and effort to yield benefits. It's crucial to acknowledge exercise as a sustainable solution that might require a few weeks to manifest noticeable results but offers substantial long-term benefits.
Overall, medication for mental health is often a temporary fix that doesn't address the root causes of health problems. Exercise offers sustainable, long-term solutions, which is essential in the face of increasing rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. An overemphasis on medication often neglects the profound health benefits of exercise. This shift has led to a surge in health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and mental health problems. 
Now, if you haven't been exercising regularly, it's a good idea to begin at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your exercise duration over time. “I think exercise is very necessary for your physical and mental health. It definitely helps me,” says sophomore Sam Kishelev.
Additionally, consider motivating and informing people you're familiar with about the advantages of incorporating exercise into their lives. Even if you only have time for exercise a few days per week, it can still help you feel significantly better and improve your physical health.

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