Channel 4 has commissioned Live Well with The Drug Free Doctor, produced by Bristol-based Plimsoll Productions (part of ITV Studios). The one-hour special that will examine the nation’s dependence on long-term prescribed medication to see if alternative routes can benefit us better.
Dr Rangan Chatterjee meets three Brits who were all on long-term costly prescriptions but sought new ways to manage their medical disorders by other means.
Live Well with The Drug Free Doctor is commissioned by Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor, with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions and Head of Lifestyle.
The three individuals taking part in the one-off production are living with some of the most common conditions – type 2 diabetes, chronic pain and depression, and Dr Chatterjee, alongside leading experts, will be sharing alternative perspectives to medication that can support people’s health and wellbeing better. Together, they explore the growing evidence that many of these conditions can be improved, or even reversed, by changes to their lifestyle.
As Dr Chatterjee follows the three contributors’ journeys, they will share their accounts of embracing simple additions to their day-to-day routines. From spending time connecting with nature, making effective dietary changes, or new workout plans, they will enlighten viewers on their stories as these practical changes help boost their mood, reduce chronic inflammation or blood sugar levels.
Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 comments: “We’re all looking for ways to feel better, and with the help of Dr Chatterjee, we hope our viewers can learn about approaches that may help each of us start the new year feeling better.”
Karen Plumb, Head of Factual Entertainment for Plimsoll Productions adds: “Dr Chatterjee is an extraordinary health communicator. It is a privilege to be working with him for this documentary to investigate ways we can adapt our lifestyles to feel healthier.”
Dr Rangan Chatterjee says: “The solution to our healthcare crisis will not come from prescribing more pills, it will come from making changes to our daily lives. Our modern lifestyles are a root cause of our health problems, and I want to show the nation that small changes to our diets and lifestyles can have a massive effect on a variety of different conditions and result in us leading healthier and happier lives.”
The show is executive produced by Karen Plumb and Andrea Jackson, with director Rory Jackson. ITV Studios will handle international distribution for the programme.
It will release early next year.
Pippa Considine
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