[Column] Who is health news really for?

Who is this information for? This is the most important question when reading health news. Even the same medication can have different effects and side effects depending on the user. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers as an example. For someone in their 20s aiming to build a muscular physique through weight training, frequently taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce post-workout pain is not a wise choice. The inflammatory response that occurs after exercise is a crucial signal for muscle growth. These medications can interfere with this signaling system, potentially slowing down protein synthesis. Consequently, young adults who regularly take high doses of NSAIDs while doing strength training may experience less muscle hypertrophy and fewer strength gains.

However, for those over 60 struggling with muscle loss, the story changes: NSAIDs can enhance the effects of exercise, helping prevent muscle breakdown and support growth. Scientists speculate that this is due to chronic inflammation that occurs with aging -- called “inflammaging.” As we age, our bodies remain in a persistent state of low-grade inflammation, which activates signals that promote muscle breakdown and accelerate muscle loss. Increased visceral abdominal fat in middle-aged and older adults can heighten this inflammation, creating a vicious cycle that leads to further muscle loss.

Conversely, reducing inflammation with medications like anti-inflammatory pain relievers can enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in older adults. For example, a 2011 U.S. study found that adults in their mid-60s who took acetaminophen (4,000 mg daily) or ibuprofen (1,200 mg daily) while strength training for 12 weeks gained 25–50 percent more muscle mass than those who did not take medication, and they also experienced greater strength gains. Since this was a small-scale study, it's difficult to conclude that older adults should take anti-inflammatory pain relievers when exercising. Nonetheless, unlike people in their 20s, those in their 60s and older likely don't need to avoid or worry about taking such medications for fear that they might hinder muscle growth.

The risk of side effects also varies by age. Older adults face a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding from anti-inflammatory painkillers and therefore need to take them with greater caution. This issue is not limited to anti-inflammatory drugs -- it applies to diabetes medications as well.

Recently, more people have become concerned about blood sugar spikes, but for elderly patients with diabetes, the greater danger lies in drug-induced hypoglycemia. While managing blood sugar is beneficial for long-term health, hypoglycemia can cause immediate and serious problems such as loss of consciousness or falls. If it occurs while driving, it can even lead to major accidents. For this reason, older adults are usually prescribed slightly higher blood sugar targets when taking medication. As we age, it becomes more important to watch out for side effects than to focus solely on the drug’s effectiveness. When reading health articles, always ask yourself: “Is this information really for me?”

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness, and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on Oct. 23, 2025. – Ed.