Can You Trust Internet Weight Loss Advice?
There is no denying that the internet contains its fair share of dubious weight loss advice - but it can also be a very reliable source of information.
The people in white coats have examined advice posted on weight loss forums and concluded that:
People who seek out general weight loss information via Internet forums will, more often than not, receive correct information. (reuters)
The research team looked at postings on 18 on-line forums over a one-month period (see abstract). They found that:
- Of the 654 messages responding with weight loss advice - only 8.6% were erroneous (and that a third of this misinformation was later corrected).
- 6.6% of messages advised potentially 'harmful' weight loss methods (again some of the messages were corrected later).
The telling factor:
Erroneous information was more likely to be provided by low-activity forums (< 1,000 messages per month).
What about Diet Blog?
Diet Blog is not a forum in the strict sense - but it does facilitate discussion and advice. In case you're wondering - the site receives over 1,000 user comments per month - all of which are moderated.
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I confess to being surprised that the rate of accurate information is so high. It's a pretty encouraging statistic, and I guess it shows that most of the larger/more active forums are well moderated.
It possibly also suggests that people are better at giving advice than taking it!!! Alright, slightly cynical view, but most of us know the right advice to give people about healthy eating (ignoring a few old wives tales about detoxing and the like) but when it comes to implementation, it doesn't always happen
ReplyMe too... good news. It's sales pages that I've found quite often contain the half-truths and dodgy theories.
~Mike
ReplyGood point, Mike. That's usually where I find the erroneous information as well.
Brian
ReplyHi Quito, indeed... when folks demand a silver bullet you can be sure there's plenty of people who'll take your money. Supply and demand and all that.
ReplyI don't think that you should believe everything that you read, whether online or in a book. You do need to use some common sense.
When it comes to weight loss, if you want to achieve long-term, lifelong results, there is no quick fix. You must look at what has been driving your overeating. You must go to the source of the problem instead of trying to put a quick fix band aid on the problem (the overweight). Even so, living in a society of immediate gratification, I understand why people want the silver bullet that Mike referred to.
ReplyI think internet advice can be great, you just need to be aware of the source. It's sort of like reading Wikipedia, yes, the information can be very useful, just be aware that it was not written by experts and probably needs to be verified if it's technical or detailed.
However, a lot of advice is of a personal nature and I find that kind to be very useful. I've had people write me questions on my own fitness blog. They know I'm not a doctor, but they're just looking for more information on what works and what doesn't. I don't try to present my advice as medical or professional advice either. I just explain what worked for me and build on that.
Gal
ReplyA lot of people on Diet-Blog and other highly visited weight loss sites have actually lost weight and kept it off. It makes sense that we'd offer weight loss advice that actually works. Nothing like personal testimonials :) But yeah, I've found that the sales sites often have misleading stats and wrong information.
ReplyOh good, the pressure's off!
My blog doesn't get 1,000 comments a month, so I can just make up a bunch of silly crap and tell people whatever I feel like! No one's gonna believe me anyway. Hooray!
But Diet Blog--you've got higher standards to meet. (Which you always do, damn it).
ReplyHey Spectra, the site your name links to (featherish) is one of the sites mentioned in the study. I can list all of them out if anyone wishes.
ReplyI'm one of the mods on featherish. It's a great community of people that advocate living a healthier lifestyle. Most members there have either lost weight and are keeping it off or are in the process of losing weight slowly and safely. I don't know how many posts we get a month, but it's pretty active. And we're always looking for new members to share insights :)
Reply
That's the heart of blogging! Seriously though - the ability for people to respond to a topic brings balance and debate (something that a number of mainstream providers lack.)
ReplyHi all - I've just finished skimming Fit or Fat for Women (again) by Covert Bailey and Lea Bishop. I also have the Fit or Fat (original and updated) and Fit or Fat Target Diet. Covert Bailey was a fitness guru featured on PBS in the '80's & 90's. Does anyone know of his work? I've always considered him the fitness gold standard and wonder what others think.
ReplyHi guys, there is a new system out in the US - successful in the UK, that lets people open their own online clinic to give advice on weight loss and lifestyle. It actually works on cell phones too. It's like having your very own Fitday service I think but with much more. Think they give a free trial. But, I guess if everyone is so cynical about the information that's out there - well here is a way to give your own advice.
ReplyForgot to say that it's at www.wirefile.com
ReplyPeople who've been dieting their whole lives are experts! I've found that it's usually the women who are going on their first diet (because they've been thin all their lives until now) who have misconceptions. Others are usually quick to jump in and correct them.
ReplyHi,
I have struggled to lose weight for years, I guess I am what's known as a yo yo dieter. With so many different diet available, I didn't know where to turn until I visited www.losingweighteasily.com they have downloadable products to help you decide. I went with Weight Watchers in the end, the recipes of which there were over 100 made me decide, to me it was normal eating. I have now lost over 30 pounds, I am thrilled.
ReplyI think those stats are pretty good in terms of receiving credible information. Less than 10% wow!
ReplyMostly Plump,
If I recall correctly, Covert Bailey targeted eating a low-fat diet. It is now known that low-fat diets are fad diets. Hgih-carbohydrate diets can cause one to eat more food actually. Fat-soluble vitamins cannot be absorbed easily on a low-fat diet, i.e., one can't absorb Vitamin D in nonfat milk. Bailey pushed a lot of exercise. Exercise is good for your heart and for antiaging but won't take off much bodyfat unless you exercise hours a day.
ReplyI think I’m the old gal in this bunch and have the most pounds to lose. I lost about 100 lbs over 2 years ago the “normal” way eat less, workout more. But this year has been hard and I let myself be last on the list of things to take care of and as a result I have put almost all of it back on. I am so sad and really upset but can’t seem to get back on track. I am also 48 and going through a few other hormone changes (if you girls get my drift) and that is not helping matters I’m sure. Any helpful comments or ideas? I really don’t want to do that colon cleaning thing…..GROSS..and yikes!! …lol…. Help!!!
ReplyLisa