Information comes at us thick and fast. Some of it is good, but a lot of it is B.S.
Estimates indicate that we generate approximately 402.74 million terabytes of information per day. One thousand gigabytes make up a terabyte. Experts estimate that a single terabyte could hold 1,000 copies of the Encyclopedia Britannica. 10 terabytes could contain the entire printed collection of the U.S. Library of Congress.
That’s a lot of information says Captain Obvious.
My goal here is to address the health and fitness B.S. and improve your fitness B.S. detector.
Let’s get started.
Four Types Of Information
There are many ways to consume information, but information itself falls into four main types, which are:
Facts: They are verified and represent our understanding of reality. Example: Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level. This fact has been scientifically verified and reflects our current knowledge of reality.
Opinions: Judgments made based on an interpretation of the facts. These are often both objective and subjective. They reflect personal tastes and preferences. Example: “Chocolate ice cream tasted better than vanilla.”
Beliefs: Personal convictions and ideological views. They are subjective and vary from person to person. Example: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Prejudices: Misjudgments based on beliefs, subjective feelings, opinions, or distortions. Example: The claim, “Young people are all lazy and don’t want to work,” stereotypes an entire group without facts to back it up.
The farther the information is from facts, the more likely it is to be misinformation.
Health And Fitness Misinformation
These are the things to look out for when considering whether the information in front of you is accurate.
No Concrete Evidence: Deliberate misinformation leans on shaky ground, with little solid research to support it. Personal stories and testimonials often take precedence over studies.
Hard to Disprove: People who spread misinformation make claims that are impossible to test or prove. Most scientists go out of their way to prove their ideas wrong.
No Peer Review: Those who promote misinformation tend to avoid critical scrutiny. Natural science thrives on peer review, but B.S. hides from it.
Buzzwords: They throw around impressive-sounding terms that sound cool, all to impress you.
But, how does it all work?
How Misinformation Works
People who spread health and fitness misinformation use psychological tricks and marketing tactics to trick you. Here are a few tactics used to separate you from your money.
Desire for the Quick Fix: We live in a fast-paced world where instant gratification is normal. It’s tough to resist when a product promises quick weight loss or muscle gain with no effort or change on your part.
Celebrity Endorsements: When a celebrity supports a product, it gains credibility, and the celebrity’s influence makes the product appear trustworthy.
Fear and Hope: The claims often play on our hopes and fears. Fear of illness, aging, or not meeting societal standards of beauty and fitness can motivate us to seek a solution.
Impressive but Misleading Claims: Terms like “clinically proven,” “natural,” or “scientifically formulated” can make a product appear more credible.
Visual Appeal: Eye-catching packaging, before-and-after photos, and sleek commercials create a strong visual impact. These visuals can override our critical thinking, making us more likely to buy into them.
I could have summarized this by saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it is.” But then you would’ve missed out on all this fun information. Is that what you’re here for?
Your Misinformation Filter
Knowing how to spot health and fitness B.S will save you from a lot of heartache. In the age of Google, here’s how to do that.
Look for Peer-Reviewed Research: Peer-reviewed studies published in reputable journals support credible scientific claims. If a product doesn’t reference solid research, be skeptical.
Check for Conflicts of Interest: Be cautious of studies funded by companies with a vested interest in the outcome. Independent research carries more weight than studies backed by those with a financial stake.
Consider the Research Context: The results hinge on the effect size, the participants, and the study conditions. A supplement might boost endurance in elite cyclists at high doses, but that doesn’t mean it will help you. If the population or dosage differs from your situation, it may not apply to you.
Question Too-Good-to-Be-True Claims: If something sounds too good to be true, it is. Be cautious of promises of rapid fat loss, muscle gain, or other dramatic results.
Wrapping Up
Spotting health and fitness misinformation requires effort on your part because the talking heads sound convincing, tempting you to click the buy button. But now I’ve given you the tools; you will not be a fool, soon parted from your money.
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