Avoid the Web of False Weight Loss Information

What you can do to keep your distance from misleading or false weight-loss information on the Internet.

• health information based on valid medical research
• a site that identifies its sources of information such as medical journals and medical experts
• an "About" or "Contact" page that makes it possible to learn about the organization and allows you to contact them if needed
• a copyright at the bottom of the page so you know who is responsible for the information
• the date of when the material was last updated, since outdated material may not reflect the latest research on weight loss

Come across a site requesting personal information? You better know what they are planning to do with the information and who they might give it to before handing it over.

When reading a site, seek information that is as objective and unbiased as possible? Does it seem believable and reasonable, or does a site make promises of weight loss that seem unlikely? Are there stories of miraculous weight loss in little time? Then you may need to steer clear. And any time a website's main purpose is to sell you something, keep moving. Websites trying to sell their products or services rarely give a completely objective perspective.

Want a quick way to find accurate information about weight loss? Avoid the .coms. Instead, seek out sites run by medical organizations, government agencies, or nonprofit education institutions. These websites end with .org, .gov, or .edu, and have the highest level of accountability when it comes to providing accurate health information.

Go with the Doc
No online site can replace your physician or another health professional, so be sure to talk to yours about any information you find online before taking action. Even if the information you find is accurate, it may not be appropriate to heed its advice. Your health professional of choice knows your medical history and the current medical advice for your particular weight loss situation and can therefore give you trustworthy and personalized instructions for achieving your goal.

However, since health professionals often don't have time to elaborate beyond a basic plan, the Internet is a helpful tool for finding details related to the doctor's orders. These details could include healthy, low-fat recipes and specific exercise routines to meet your goal. You can also use the abundance of weight loss success stories as ongoing motivation. Or you can become a part of an online support group for weight loss to find the encouragement and advice you need along the way. A third tool available on many sites is a program that allows you to track your weight loss and set goals to work toward your weight goals.

So the next time you're surfing the web for the latest diet plans, check your sources, the first of which should be your own health pro.

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