From motivation to movement, some parts of your health journey can’t be outsourced.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of our everyday lives – offering advice, tracking habits and even helping manage health data. But when it comes to creating lasting lifestyle changes and improving cardiometabolic health, some things are still up to us.
Dr. Nisha S. Patel
Dr. Nisha Patel, a metabolic specialist with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco, says that while AI can be a helpful tool, it can’t replace the human effort required to build a healthier life. She shares five important things that AI simply can’t do when it comes to your health.
1. It can’t build your strength.
“AI won’t pick up the weights or do the walk for you,” says Dr. Patel. Movement and strength-building are still very much human tasks. Whether it’s a session at the gym, a home workout or just staying consistent with daily activity, physical fitness requires showing up and putting in the effort.
2. It can’t cook your meals.
While AI can offer endless recipe ideas, it doesn’t prepare your lunch during a hectic week or help you decide what to eat when you’re exhausted or overwhelmed. Making healthy food choices – especially under stress – comes down to building habits and routines that support long-term health, says Dr. Patel.
3. It can’t manage your stress.
AI might recommend breathing exercises or provide guided meditation, but it doesn’t understand the complexities of your life. “Managing stress is deeply personal,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s about setting boundaries, finding support and managing life stress. We still have to work on that ourselves.
4. It can’t make you sleep.
AI can track your sleep and remind you to turn off your screen, but it won’t calm your mind or help your body settle into rest. Sleep is one of the most essential and elusive components of metabolic health. “Good sleep often comes from intentional routines, not reminders,” adds Dr. Patel.
5. It can’t give you your ‘why.’
Your motivation, that is your reason for wanting better health, has to come from within. Whether it’s feeling better day to day, staying healthy for your loved ones or simply wanting more energy, that internal drive is uniquely personal. And no algorithm can define it for you, says Dr. Patel.
Supporting Sustainable Change
Sutter Health offers a range of services to support people working toward better metabolic health, including weight loss programs tailored to individual needs. With a team-based, multidisciplinary approach, Sutter’s programs focus on long-term success, which includes addressing lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management.
Curious about improving your metabolic health? Learn more about Sutter’s weight management programs or talk to your care provider about what options might be best for you.
