Presentation Package for Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Section VIII: Concept 25: Recognizing Quackery: Becoming and Informed Consumer

2Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Fraud  Intentional perversion of truth for gain.

3Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Quackery  Promotion of health schemes that are: –False –Unproven –Dangerous

4Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Susceptibility to Fraud or Quackery  Concern about appearance, health or performance  Lack of knowledge  Desire for immediate results See “On the Web” 25-2 for more information

5 Clues to Quackery/Fraud  No scientific method  Use of testimonials and anecdotes  Typically have something to sell  False claims like “everyone can benefit”  Promise of quick results  Claims approval by FDA –Federal law does not even permit the mention of FDA that suggests marketing approval  Misquotes of scientific journal articles  Often sell products through mail

6Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Potentially Fraudulent Weight Loss Techniques  Fad diets  Spot reduction exercises  Body wraps  Fat loss creams  Metabolic stimulators

7Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Potentially Fraudulent Fitness Products  Muscle gain supplements  Fat loss supplements  Anti-fatigue supplements

8Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Potentially Fraudulent Health Products  Supplements for health/disease: –Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements (megadoses) –Immune system boosters  Life extension products: –Energy enhancers –Memory enhancers See “On the Web” 25-4 about issues with herbs

9Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Clues to Fraud and Quackery  Lack of certifications / degrees  Cite little or no research  Use pseudo-affiliations  Use frequent testimonials  Make claims of prestige  Discredit AMA, FDA, etc. Lab 25a information Click to see the National Coalition Against Health Fraud site

10Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Sources of Misinformation  Magazines  Health store newsletters  TV infomercials Click to see the US consumer information center homepage

11Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Current Legislation The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994  Puts the burden of proof for the effectiveness and safety of supplements on the FDA rather than on the supplement manufacturer.  Makes it harder for fraudulent products to be removed from the market. See “On the Web” 25-3 for more info on supplements

12Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Exercise Equipment  Do you need it?  Will you use it?  Does it work?  Does it work for me?

13Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Health Clubs  Qualified staff?  Good equipment?  Crowded/convenient?  Contracts / memberships? Lab 25b information See “On the Web” 25-1 about tanning and salons

14Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Fitness Books and Articles  Are they authored by a qualified professional?  Are they based on sound scientific principles?

15Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e Internet Information  Remember, not all information on the Web is accurate!!  Look for information from non-profit agencies or public health agencies if possible although many commercial (.com) sites have good information also

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware!)