There are many types of dietary news available, but what is the best source? Is it Evidence-based reporting, or is it a quick-fix fad? Is it written by "experts" or Quacks? Should I believe these sources or trust them? Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types of dietary news. Read on to learn more about which ones are trustworthy.
Evidence-based reporting
Newspaper articles advocating dietary changes can influence a person's food-related health beliefs, but the science behind these claims is often questionable. We evaluated dietary news articles using two established evidence grading scales: the World Cancer Research Fund and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Of the 111 dietary health claims assessed, 68% were rated as less-than-convincing.
Quick fix fads
A quick fix diet is a way of losing weight in a short period of time, but it will inevitably come back and can cause more harm than good. It is vital to incorporate exercise into your weight loss program, and many quick fix diets claim that you will lose weight without exercising. While it's important to exercise regularly, relying solely on fast food and diet pills to achieve your goal is not healthy. Instead, make gradual changes in your eating habits to avoid gaining back the weight.
Fad diets are similar in that they focus on calorie restriction and strategies to lose weight. They may also include fasting or substituting certain meals. While some diets are successful for a month or so, most fail in the long run. After all, weight loss requires new habits, and a long-term commitment. This is why most quick fix diets fail. Besides being dangerous and ineffective, these plans may even make it easier for you to gain weight.
Quack "experts"
In the quest to make money and improve health, many Quack "experts" in dietary and health news are citing dodgy references and omitting scientific evidence. One example is Dr. Oz, who advocates a diet based on hormones in the body. He also talks about fat-burning hormones and includes a detox phase in his plans. On his website, he sells supplements that may cause harm.
What's worse, these quackers are often affluent individuals, groups, or corporations who deny the validity of science and claim to have a cure for everything. They can be easy to spot, and they'll prey on the doubts of vulnerable groups. In addition, many of them carry credentials and make a convincing case. But they're not always a danger to the public.
