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Debunking diet or exercise scams
SHBoss1673
Posts: 7,161 Member
We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
2) Selling something. If the site immediately blasts products for sale right up front, be skeptical. It's fine to sell a product on-line, but many scammers will hit you with the product and the "benefits" like a deluge so that you are weary. Feel good stories and positive results can lul the unweary consumer and desperate person into a false sense of security.
3) Lack of independent clinical trials. Even products or "diets" not needing FDA approval should have clinical trials done, the best and most respectable ones have INDEPENDENT research done, and post those results or links to them for all to see.
4) Lack of "expert" credentials. Many sites will offer up some doctor as a proponent or originator of the idea, concept, diet, or supplement to lend credibility to the item in question. Check for credentials before going forward. If the "expert" doesn't put his credentials right up front, and they aren't valid, and relational to the product. Step back, and think about who's trying to sell you what.
5) Outrageous claims and half truths. Many routines and plans will state half truths and partial facts to back up their claims, don't just take the site on it's word, if a product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research, check the claims, and confirm that something is at least probable before you spend your cash!
The moral of this post is. Check your facts. There are lots of snake oil salesmen on the internet, be VERY wary of what people tell you!
In the spirit of this post, I'll give you my credentials. And as always, I can provide you with any further info you request if you send me a PM (don't really feel like posting my full resume on here for the world to see guys!)
I am currently the Network Manager for a Managed Services platform. What is that? It means I run a customer facing Web infrastructure that services fortune 500 companies. I.E. I run a website that gives big companies info about their network, and I run all the (75) servers behind the scenes including web servers, applications servers, sql servers, routers, switches, and all the other networking gear.
I have 15 years experience in IT and have been everything from a Help desk support employee to an IT engineering consultant. I have dealt with LOTS of web stuff, including viruses, scams, trojans, web servers, hacking, internal security, email servers...etc. You name it, I've fixed it, installed it, or upgraded it.
Best wishes all!
-Banks
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
2) Selling something. If the site immediately blasts products for sale right up front, be skeptical. It's fine to sell a product on-line, but many scammers will hit you with the product and the "benefits" like a deluge so that you are weary. Feel good stories and positive results can lul the unweary consumer and desperate person into a false sense of security.
3) Lack of independent clinical trials. Even products or "diets" not needing FDA approval should have clinical trials done, the best and most respectable ones have INDEPENDENT research done, and post those results or links to them for all to see.
4) Lack of "expert" credentials. Many sites will offer up some doctor as a proponent or originator of the idea, concept, diet, or supplement to lend credibility to the item in question. Check for credentials before going forward. If the "expert" doesn't put his credentials right up front, and they aren't valid, and relational to the product. Step back, and think about who's trying to sell you what.
5) Outrageous claims and half truths. Many routines and plans will state half truths and partial facts to back up their claims, don't just take the site on it's word, if a product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research, check the claims, and confirm that something is at least probable before you spend your cash!
The moral of this post is. Check your facts. There are lots of snake oil salesmen on the internet, be VERY wary of what people tell you!
In the spirit of this post, I'll give you my credentials. And as always, I can provide you with any further info you request if you send me a PM (don't really feel like posting my full resume on here for the world to see guys!)
I am currently the Network Manager for a Managed Services platform. What is that? It means I run a customer facing Web infrastructure that services fortune 500 companies. I.E. I run a website that gives big companies info about their network, and I run all the (75) servers behind the scenes including web servers, applications servers, sql servers, routers, switches, and all the other networking gear.
I have 15 years experience in IT and have been everything from a Help desk support employee to an IT engineering consultant. I have dealt with LOTS of web stuff, including viruses, scams, trojans, web servers, hacking, internal security, email servers...etc. You name it, I've fixed it, installed it, or upgraded it.
Best wishes all!
-Banks
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Replies
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Awesome post Banks! I have definitly been scammed a few dozen times more than id like to recall!!!.I think I have sucker and gullible stapled to the end of my comps IP address or something....
xxPINK0 -
weird?! my post didnt show. Did I get my pink slip from MFP and not know it??:laugh:
One of the negotiating/sales tools that bugs me the most is urgency.
HURRAY.................1st 100 people get this offer!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do they think we are idiots? Uh, dont answer that question.
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bump to read later:flowerforyou:0
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One of my son's high school teachers is a "before and after" for Hydroxicut (sp). The teacher was actually hired to gain weight as a before picture because he was already a very fit person. So he gained weight, took the before picture and then went back to his regular training and lost the weight and had his "bulk" back with exercise. They then took the "after" picture and well, there was the proof that it works. And...he was paid!!!!0
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goodmorning all way to but it banks i agree :drinker: im still waiting for someone on p90x who has lost 50 + lbs and 35 and older on p90x to show me tv results (pictures )0
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Good post, I can't help but think of the hydroxycut commercial with the MD is plugging the product and how much it has changed his life. Then you read the small print and see the MD is a first year resident..ok technically a MD, but your not really allowed to practice medicine yet...not a real doctor yet in my book. So even if it appears like the person has solid creds, ASK, ask about background, training, experience, all of it!0
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One of my son's high school teachers is a "before and after" for Hydroxicut (sp). The teacher was actually hired to gain weight as a before picture because he was already a very fit person. So he gained weight, took the before picture and then went back to his regular training and lost the weight and had his "bulk" back with exercise. They then took the "after" picture and well, there was the proof that it works. And...he was paid!!!!
AHHHHHH someone ELSE who knows this!!! I hate being the naysayer........but a friend of mine who is a body builder (moderate not extreme...kinda looks like eriny:blushing: )
Anyway, he had ME take a before and after picture. As embarrased as I was I was shocked at what stance, and camera angle could do.
So I was in Biggest Loser style clothes with no makeup, hair lifeless. I didnt smile. looked straight at the camera with arms hanging by my side. slouching SNAP
Then I stood sideways a bit, with my leg out front. tummy in, shoulders back, hand on hip, smiling with my head held high SNAP
Lost 15 pounds in 5 minutes!!!!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
also no gym rat results have been from about 30 min m-f
up in till about 2 weeks ago 45 cardio,ab class at ymca m-w
but i must confess ........................................................................................i am a MFP junkie :drinker:0 -
u0
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wowooww :blushing: :blushing: thank you :flowerforyou:0
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I truly, in my heart of hearts, feel this is the reason for America's obesity problems. If you do not learn how to eat and exercise, you will never be healthy. Period.
I am not at my ideal weight, but I am no longer tempted by the products out there. If I want to lose this last 15 it is going to be by SMART eating and MORE exercise.
If I choose not to exercise more, then I will enjoy my size 8's and quit my b+itchin.
The ONLY way is through diet and exercise. If you take a pill, then eat 1200 cals and exercise for 30 mins a day.............you have done what I have done, sans the chemical in your body and the jitters!!
:flowerforyou: Jeannie0 -
also no gym rat results have been from about 30 min m-f
up in till about 2 weeks ago 45 cardio,ab class at ymca m-w
but i must confess ........................................................................................i am a MFP junkie :drinker:
I love the progression pix of you doing those mega leg lifts.............dang Eriny!!
I just started doing hip pulses each night for lower abs and I cant get 1 inch off the ground. :laugh:0 -
well i will tell you that (dragon flag ) thats good kneelifts bends ,lifts w 10 lb ball good also buttttt the hip pulses and some other forms for abs in the class i now take 15min by the way :indifferent: wow very hard and intense from that class found out real quick i need a lot more work (and why a lot of guys dont do classes with cardio/ab/Pilates ) those ladies are killing me :blushing:also no gym rat results have been from about 30 min m-f
up in till about 2 weeks ago 45 cardio,ab class at ymca m-w
but i must confess ........................................................................................i am a MFP junkie :drinker:
I love the progression pix of you doing those mega leg lifts.............dang Eriny!!
I just started doing hip pulses each night for lower abs and I cant get 1 inch off the ground. :laugh:0 -
you guys wanna room? :laugh:
oh relax, I'm just joshin!0 -
you guys wanna room? :laugh:
oh relax, I'm just joshin!
:huh: wanna watch?
:laugh: :laugh:0 -
you guys wanna room? :laugh:
oh relax, I'm just joshin!
:huh: wanna watch?
:laugh: :laugh:
I have cameras! We could make a mint!:laugh:0 -
you guys wanna room? :laugh:
oh relax, I'm just joshin!
:huh: wanna watch?
:laugh: :laugh:
I have cameras! We could make a mint!:laugh:
LOL...I cant find my get a room sign.......0 -
http://www.dietitian.com/calchelp.php
I just stumbled upon this site and thought it was pretty cool. I pretty much do what it suggests, but I wish I had it when I started.0 -
camera , room , what did i miss
0 -
camera , room , what did i miss
you got recruited unwittingly into soft core porn. Blame AWTY, she's always the troublemaker. LOL! but we'll make money off it at least. :glasses: <-- my director sunglasses. AAAAND ACTION!0 -
:glasses: lets do it and so it begins .. im slowly starting to un button my shirt .........0
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We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
-Banks
I completely disagree with this part
with all due respect of course0 -
morning dave how are you0
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We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
-Banks
I completely disagree with this part
with all due respect of course
I don't buy diet products but when I buy any product, I always go to a third party site (amazon, etc) and read the worst customer reviews as well. Then you can find out what people really think of a product. If you can deal with the worst that people say then it stands up to the test.0 -
We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
-Banks
I completely disagree with this part
with all due respect of course
Well? don't just leave that phrase out there, explain why. You don't agree that testimonials are anecdotal? Or that they don't provide true data? What part don't you agree with.0 -
We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
-Banks
I completely disagree with this part
with all due respect of course
I don't buy diet products but when I buy any product, I always go to a third party site (amazon, etc) and read the worst customer reviews as well. Then you can find out what people really think of a product. If you can deal with the worst that people say then it stands up to the test.
I would agree with this. It's a good to have the opinions of real consumers. But they probably shouldn't be your only facts, at least on larger purchases anyway. for something relatively cheap I wouldn't have a problem with going by consumer opinion.0 -
We all see lots of "diets" and exercise routines out there that claim wondrous benefits. Some people even post on here to "ask" about them.
PT Barnum said it best: "There's a sucker born every minute!"
DON'T BE THAT SUCKER! Here are a few tips from a web expert on finding real facts and discerning true plans from those that are just scams for money.
1) Testimonials are useless. Testimonials by definition are anecdotal. They provide no true data and you should completely ignore them. If a "diet" site has lots of testimonials, GIANT red flags should go off in your head, one or two is fine, it's good marketing, but if they list testimonials as their main "proof" then click the back button immediately until you are away from that site!
-Banks
I completely disagree with this part
with all due respect of course
Well? don't just leave that phrase out there, explain why. You don't agree that testimonials are anecdotal? Or that they don't provide true data? What part don't you agree with.
well of course they are anecdotal...........everything everyone says here about their own experiences are anecdotal
I disagree that testimonials are "useless" and I disagree that they provide no true data.......if I "testify" that running in place is better than sitting at my computer and I can get my heart rate up and lose weight when combined with good nutrition...that is all anecdotal....do you really need a scientific study to beleive me? the data is there....true...the data is unique to me...but it is general enough that it would apply to many
.do we really need to require an independant study to be told that something works? I dont...I think testimonials can be both good and bad....but they are not useless unless you require the science behind the actual experience of someone who has done whatever they are testifying to....you testify about hiit......I believe it....I dont need you to give me the science behind it to convince me....testimonials can be what some need to hear that something has worked
they are not "useless"
I am not suggesting that people beleive everything they hear....but real life experiences relayed thru testimonials can be helpful and motivating0 -
Dave (how are ya today my friend?)
I feel they are useless because we do not know they are true. If you tell me you burned 200 calories jumping up and down, I would beleive you because what do you have to gain from telling me this.
As I stated before I have a personal friend who was hired as a before and after for a weight loss supp. He was in beautiful shape
when approached. He stopped working out for 1 month, gained 20 pounds, slouched and took befores. They already had the afters because he took them before he gained weight.
He said that when you are built up, and lean it is easy to gain and then remove it really quickly if all done within a few months. he was paid a few thousand dollars, and free product.
He then had me stand for before and afters........wish I had them now, and I 'lost' 15 pounds in 5 minutes.0 -
Dave (how are ya today my friend?)
I feel they are useless because we do not know they are true. If you tell me you burned 200 calories jumping up and down, I would beleive you because what do you have to gain from telling me this.
As I stated before I have a personal friend who was hired as a before and after for a weight loss supp. He was in beautiful shape when approached. He stopped working out for 1 month, gained 20 pounds, slouched and took befores. They already had the afters because he took them before he gained weight.
He said that when you are built up, and lean it is easy to gain and then remove it really quickly if all done within a few months. he was paid a few thousand dollars, and free product.
He then had me stand for before and afters........wish I had them now, and I 'lost' 15 pounds in 5 minutes.
I am good my friend...how are you?
so...using this logic then....when someone posts a recipe and says it tastes great or someone posts a method of running and says it worked for them....that is all useless because we dont know if it is true?
I disagree that all the thousands of posts here from people giving their testimonials about their experiences are usless...I have benefited from some of your tetimonials my friend
sure...some may be crap and some may be phoney....but I imagine most are true and thus have some benefit and thus are not "useless"
if someone paid me to give my testimonial that hard work and clean eating has improved my life...would it be useless because I am being paid to say it?0 -
well of course they are anecdotal...........everything everyone says here about their own experiences are anecdotal
I disagree that testimonials are "useless" and I disagree that they provide no true data.......if I "testify" that running in place is better than sitting at my computer and I can get my heart rate up and lose weight when combined with good nutrition...that is all anecdotal....do you really need a scientific study to beleive me? the data is there....true...the data is unique to me...but it is general enough that it would apply to many
The above statement has nothing to do with product testimonials, I don't know why you even typed it. Just because something is anecdotal doesn't make it a product testimonial.
.do we really need to require an independant study to be told that something works? I dont...I think testimonials can be both good and bad....but they are not useless unless you require the science behind the actual experience of someone who has done whatever they are testifying to....you testify about hiit......I believe it....I dont need you to give me the science behind it to convince me....testimonials can be what some need to hear that something has worked
they are not "useless"
I am not suggesting that people beleive everything they hear....but real life experiences relayed thru testimonials can be helpful and motivating
I think you're missing what I mean by testimonials. Testimonials with regards to product sales on a website are, in the overwhelming majority of cases, only positive results thus they provide no valuable information (see my side note after). In that sense they are useless. Plus testimonials of this type are usually paid for. A testimonial is different from an opinion. Me liking HIIT training and talking about it is NOT a product testimonial as nobody asked me to sell a product and show my results for them. And ahh, yeah, I DO need a product to be fully tested by a solid scientific process before I use it, especially diet and/or exercise products, I'll leave it at that. Look, I'm not talking about consumer opinions left by real people (usually on a review site of some type), I'm talking about product testimonials, which are by for profit companies, for product sales, written by people who have usually been coached, almost always paid or compensated in one way or another, and almost always show the product in a good light.
Side note: by provide no VALUABLE information I mean just that. Providing only the benefits of a product and refusing to offer up the possible side effects, is tantamount to fraud in my opinion! Sure they provide information, but a) it IS in fact anecdotal, with no way to prove it's validity. and b) because we know it's always going to be in support of the product, we know what the results are are going to be, they just differ by degrees. Thus no value is added by reading them, they may make you feel good, but they don't add value. Now if a company posted both positive and negative testimonials in the same light, then maybe I'd say they add value, but I have yet to find one that does that, at least in this industry.0
This discussion has been closed.
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