Skip to main content
Patient Advocacy

What Is Healthism and Why Is It Harmful?

Healthism assumes that your health is a reflection of your character.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on June 28, 2024
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | June 28, 2024

“Healthism” is the name for a concept where a person is morally obligated and entirely responsible for improving their own health without considering factors that are outside of their control. In this video, learn when caring for one’s health can veer into harmful healthism.

References

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

Was this page helpful?

Latest articles