Bad Influence

You used to see a doctor. Now you go online. 'Your definitive guide to separating medical facts from online fiction.' Adam Kay, author of This is Going to Hurt 'This superb book is an essential guide to the wild world of internet health.' Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People Want to track your blood sugar? Your heart rate? Your sleep? You can. Need to focus? Want to lose weight? Build muscle? Get pregnant? Advice is just a click away. As NHS patients face terrible delays for treatment and face-to-face GP appointments disappear altogether, influencers have stepped into the breach. From doctors promoting untested therapies to celebrities selling solutions, these self-styled experts radiate wellness and guarantee results. Exploring the transformation of a healthcare system driven by online trends, Dr Deborah Cohen reveals the truth behind Ozempic influencers, AI-powered diagnoses, ‘preventative’ screening and Instagram’s favourite wearable tech. Bad Influence is about the commodification of health in an age of anxiety and why we can no longer distinguish medicine from marketing. 'In a world where online medical opinions are fast and often dodgy, this is the perfect antidote.' Prof. Kevin Fong