What does the term “HYPE BUBBLE” mean? Well, first let’s provide a definition of the word “HYPE”: “promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefits”.
Now, let’s look at a definition of “BUBBLE”, but not the one that you blow out of a bottle: “refers to a good or fortunate situation that is isolated from reality or unlikely to last.”
So, a “HYPE BUBBLE” refers to something that is promoted in an exaggerated manner, but eventually the “Bubble Bursts”, meaning that the “something” does not maintain its’ allure.
As a doctor that has not been in medicine for 45 years, I have most certainly seen my share of “Hype Bubbles” in the health care arena. Here are some examples:
- Phen/Fen for weight loss: This was supposed to be a “miracle” intervention for weight control…until the heart issues associated with fenfluramine and the subsequent multibillion dollar lawsuits blew the “Hype Bubble”
- Opioids for pain control: Touted as an amazing breakthrough for pain control…until the addictive issues and associated overdose deaths burst the “Hype Bubble”
- CBD (a part of the marijuana plant) for sleep, pain, mood improvement: Social media stories brought this to mega sales…before reality and studies showed only minimal benefits, resulting in that “Hype Bubble” being burst
The latest “Hype Bubble” currently that has not burst as yet is the GLP treatment for weight loss.
I would bet the farm that within 5 years if not sooner, studies will show recidivism rates for gaining back weight are the same with GLPs as they are with any other weight loss treatment.
My point: We should be skeptical about health care innovations that are touted extensively with lots of social media hype. Perhaps some of these will pan out to be valid, positive treatments but others will “burst” over time.
Here is Old Blue Eyes singing BAUBLES, Bangles and Beads.
