What does 'disease mongering' refer to?

The term 'disease mongering' specifically refers to the practice of turning normal health conditions or variations into diseases, often for the purpose of profit. This tactic typically involves redefining the thresholds of what constitutes a disease, leading to an increase in diagnoses which in turn drives sales for treatments and medications that may not be necessary for the affected individuals.

For instance, when conditions such as anxiety or common aging symptoms are medicalized, it can create a market for pharmaceuticals or services that exploit individuals' concerns about their health. This practice raises ethical questions about the motivations behind redefining health issues and the implications for patient care, as it can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and anxiety about otherwise normal health variations.