Presentation Package for

Concepts of Physical Fitness 12e

Section VII: Concept 20:
Recognizing Quackery:
Becoming and Informed
Consumer

Created by:
Gregory J. Welk
Iowa State University
 Fraud

 Intentional perversion of truth for

gain.

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 Quackery

 Promotion of health schemes that

are:
– False
– Unproven
– Dangerous

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 Susceptibility to
Fraud or Quackery

 Concern about appearance, health or

performance
 Lack of knowledge
 Desire for immediate results

See Web20-2 for

4 Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 5e
more information
 Potentially Fraudulent
Weight Loss Techniques

 Fad diets
 Spot reduction exercises
 Body wraps
 Fat loss creams
 Metabolic stimulators

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 Potentially Fraudulent
Fitness Products

 Muscle gain supplements

 Fat loss supplements
 Anti-fatigue supplements

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 Potentially Fraudulent
Health Products

 Supplements for health/disease:

– Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements
(megadoses)
– Immune system boosters
 Life extension products:
– Energy enhancers
– Memory enhancers

See Web20-4 about issues

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 Lab 20a
information
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.

Click to see the National

Coalition Against Health
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Fraud site
 Sources of Misinformation

 Magazines
 Health store newsletters
 TV infomercials

Click to see the US

consumer information
center homepage

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 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 Web20-3 for more info
on supplements

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 Exercise Equipment

 Do you need it?

 Will you use it?
 Does it work?
 Does it work for me?

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 Lab 20b
information

Health Clubs

 Qualified staff?
 Good equipment?
 Crowded/convenient?
 Contracts / memberships?

See Web20-1 about

tanning and salons

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 Fitness Books and Articles

 Are they authored by a qualified

professional?
 Are they based on sound scientific
principles?

See quote from

“Zone diet”

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 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
See Web20-5 to see how to spot
good sites on the web.
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Caveat Emptor

(Buyer Beware!)

See Web20-6 about consumerism

and tips for being a wise consumer
 Web Resources

Online Learning Center

“On the Web” pages for Concept

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Supplemental Graphics

Lab Information
 Lab 20a Information
Practicing Consumer Skills: Evaluating Products

 Select an exercise device, book,

magazine or food supplement to
review.
 Answer questions to evaluate
product you have chosen.
 Total the checks to get a product
rating.
 Discuss whether you would buy or
18 use this product. Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 5e
 Lab 20b Information
Evaluating a Health/Wellness of Fitness Club

 Visit a club and indicate that you are

interested in becoming a member.
 Ask questions and examine the
facilities.
 Complete the assessment in the lab
to evaluate the club.
 Answer whether this club would
meet your needs and expectations.

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 Quotes from “The Zone”

 “Most athletes have experienced this

almost transcendent state (i.e. the
“zone”) at least once and the
experience is unforgettable. But
there’s nothing mystical about the
Zone. The Zone is a real metabolic
state that can be reached by
everyone, and maintained on a
lifelong basis.” (p. 2)
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