Cuomo's paradox

Cuomo's paradox is the observation of factors associated with disease prevention which have the opposite association with disease survival.^[1] Research has highlighted occurrences of excess body mass,^[2][3] high cholesterol^[4] and moderate alcohol consumption.^[5]

Origin

The concept was proposed by biomedical scientist Raphael E. Cuomo in a publication in the Journal of Nutrition.^[6] Cuomo analyzed clinical and epidemiological data suggesting that common nutritional risk factors including obesity, alcohol consumption, and cholesterol often play contrasting roles in disease prevention versus survival outcomes.^[7] The concept was later expanded in discussions about cancer,^[8] cannabis,^[9] and precision health.^[10] Public interest grew after an Instagram post by Princess Leonor of Spain sparked online debate on Reddit.^[11][12]

Scientific discussion

Analyses have proposed integrating the concept into stage-specific clinical guidance, suggesting that counselling after diagnosis may differ from primary prevention advice.^[13] Related work has examined analogous questions in cardiology,^[14] tumor biology including redox homeostasis,^[15] and frameworks for medical artificial intelligence.^[16]

Reporting summarized potential differences between prevention-oriented dietary patterns and post-diagnosis survival associations,^[17] including accounts that factors commonly viewed as unhealthy may increase disease risk yet correlate with improved survival in some settings.^[18] Additional commentary considered applications in oncology and stage-specific pharmacologic care,^[19] and reports have highlighted claims that supplements viewed as harmful in prevention contexts do not always show adverse associations with survival after diagnosis.^[20]

Public reception

The paradox attracted broader public attention, which emphasized its relevance to both individual dietary choices and systemic healthcare spending.^[21][22] Additional perspectives focused on the implications of aligning diet with one's health trajectory.^[23][24]

Some commentators have described Cuomo's paradox as a notable development, citing its potential impact on dietary policy and personalized care,^[25][26] and its relevance for stage-specific clinical guidelines.^[27][28]

See also

• Obesity paradox
• Nutritional epidemiology