Dr. Imber’s Controversial Take on Running: Could It Be Making You Age Faster?
In a viral TikTok video, renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber has revealed the one exercise that could be making you age faster – running.[0]
The 82-year-old surgeon with a private practice in Manhattan said, “I have a pet peeve. Half my patients love me for it, and half my patients hate me for it.”[1]
What is the pet peeve? Dr. Imber warned against marathon running, or running for long distances and times, as it causes stress on the body, including your knees, ankles, and back, and it could lead to “runner’s face” – the sagging skin or gaunt look runners have once they cross the finish line.[2]
The video has been viewed 1.8 million times in just two days, sparking debate from runners and non-runners around the globe.[3]
“Have you ever seen a long-distance, long-time runner that didn’t have a gaunt, old face?” he asked in the video.[4] “That’s what happens.”[0]
The doctor, despite his contentious opinion on running, affirmed that occasional running is perfectly acceptable.[3] He explained that if you want to get your exercise, it is “perfectly fine to run a little bit every day or run a couple of miles a few times a week,” but no impact or low impact aerobics is really the best way to go.[5]
“I’m 44 with two hip replacements – I used to run six miles a day,” one person commented in agreement, while another disagreed, writing that “running keeps me sane and sober.”[3]
The debate is still going strong, with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
0. “I’m a plastic surgeon — this exercise will age you faster” New York Post , 2 Mar. 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/03/02/im-a-plastic-surgeon-this-exercise-will-age-you-faster
1. “New York plastic surgeon’s viral TikTok video warns of exercise he says causes premature aging” Yahoo Life, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/york-plastic-surgeons-viral-tiktok-020551088.html
2. “Plastic surgeon reveals the exercise that makes you AGE FASTER” Daily Mail, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11809177/Plastic-surgeon-reveals-exercise-makes-AGE-FASTER.html
3. “I’m a plastic surgeon and your favourite hobby could be ageing you faster – here’s what to do instead…” The Sun, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/21567336/plastic-surgeon-running-ageing/
4. “Plastic Surgeon Shares Why Running Ages You Faster Than Any Other Exercise” The Project, 2 Mar. 2023, https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/plastic-surgeon-shares-why-running-ages-you-faster-than-any-other-exercise/tpa230302smfud
5. “Surgeon Reveals The Exercise That Makes You Age Faster And May Cause A “Gaunt, Old Face”” Evie Magazine, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/surgeon-reveals-the-exercise-that-makes-you-age-faster-old-face
