healthyu
HOW TO SPOT A
BOGUS HEALTH CLAIM
We are continually bombarded with products and treatments
that claim to either cure it all, make us super humans, or look
fabulous. But do they actually work? Some do, but a lot don’t.
Here are some warning signs to look out for when you are
considering parting with your money.
Ads use personal stories
to prove the product/
treatment works.
You’ve seen those weight loss ads on
TV of the mother of two who lost 20kg
in 4 weeks that looks so believable
and achievable. The problem with
using personal stories as evidence is
the results may not be repeatable in
the wider population. What might
work for one person may not work for
another. To see if the personal story
claim is valid, check if a product has
been tested with large sample sizes,
controlled factors and have shown
positive results, as it is more likely this
product will actually work.
It is natural so it must be
good for me.
Used for thousands of
years so it must work.
This is a logical thought and as many
products and treatments like to include
they are made from natural ingredients
with the resulting claim of harmlessness
or effectiveness, this assertion has
become widely used. This is called the
“green halo effect” and marketers have
worked out that we feel better and safer
about certain products if it is labelled as
“natural”, thus, prompting a purchase.
However, there are lots of things that
exist in nature that are actually quite
harmful for humans, such as arsenic
and certain kinds of mushrooms. To
make sure these “natural” products
are healthy and beneficial, thoroughly
research ingredients before making a
purchase decision.
Some products and treatments will
include phrases such as “traditionally
used” or “used for thousands of years”
which gives the perception the product
is successful due to its longevity.
However, as modern technology and
research progresses, older methods
have the potential to become outdated
or are proven to be ineffective. The
problem with this claim is that due
to the product/treatment’s origin
in a society with outdated scientific
research, it may not have undergone
rigorous testing within a controlled
environment, and there could be other
unknown contributing factors that are
skewing the results.
Looking to find out about the evidence-based treatments
and services regarding your health in one spot?
Come along to the USQ Health Fair on April 27 at our Toowoomba Campus from 10am–2pm or May 4 at
our Ipswich Campus from 11am–1pm where interactive stalls and activities from USQ and the wider local
community will be available for you to experience. The Health Fairs will coincide with the launch of USQ’s Health
and Wellbeing Strategy which is aimed at improving the wellbeing of both staff and students of USQ.
WORDS: TESS GILLIGAN – USQ Student IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
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