Term
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Definition
Quackery is "anything involving over promotion in the field of health."
Promotion of health schemes that are :
- False
- Unproven
- Dangerous |
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Term
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Definition
| Intentional perversion of truth for gain. |
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Term
| Susceptibility to Fraud or Quackery |
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Definition
Concern about appearance, health or performance.
Lack of knowledge.
Desire for immediate results. |
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Term
| Being an informed consumer |
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Definition
Read the ad carefully, especially the small print.
Do not send cash; use a check, money order, or credit card so you have a receipt.
Do not order from a company with only a post office box, unless you know the company.
Do not let high-pressure sales tactics make you rush into a decision.
When in doubt, check out the company through your Better Business Bureau (BBB). |
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Term
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Definition
There is no easy way to get the benefits from physical activity.
Claims for many forms of exercise are overstated or unsubstantiated (not a panacea)
Contrary to claims, passive exercises do not provide any benefits for fitness or weight loss (vibrating belts, magnets, electrical muscle stimulators, etc.) |
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Term
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Definition
Qualified staff?
Good equipment?
Crowded/convenient?
Contracts/memberships? |
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Term
| Potentially Fraudulent Weight Loss Techniques |
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Definition
Fad diets
Spot reduction exercises
Body wraps
Fat loss creams
Metabolic stimulators |
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Term
| Potentially Fraudulent Fitness Products |
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Definition
Muscle gain supplements
Fat loss supplements
Anti-fatigue supplements |
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Term
| Potentially Fraudulent Health Products |
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Definition
Supplements for health/disease:
- Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements (megadoses)
- Immune system boosters
Life extension products:
- Energy enhancers
- Memory enhancers |
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Term
| Sources of Misinformation |
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Definition
Books
Magazines
Articles
Internet
Health store newsletters
TV infomercials |
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Term
| Books, Magazines & Articles |
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Definition
Not all books provide scientifically sound, accurate, and reliable information.
Are they authored by a qualified professional?
Are they based on sound scientific principles? |
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Term
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Definition
Remember, not all information on the Web is accurate!
Look for information form non-profit agencies or public health agencies if possible (.gov, .edu, or .org), although many commercial (.com) sites have good information also.
Sites of stable organizations of long standing (e.g., AMA, American Cancer Society, AHA, ACSM, etc.) |
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Term
| Clues to Fraud and Quackery |
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Definition
Lack of certifications / degrees
Cite little or no research
Use of pseudo-affiliations
Use of frequent testimonials
Make claims of prestige
Multi-level marketing
Discredit AMA, FDA, etc. |
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