How Can I Trust If The Website Is Telling The Truth?

       Today, many people have access to the web and can virtually search for anything they wish. It is simple, fast, and there are always results and answers to your questions. People who are not satisfied with their weight and appearance can simply search for answers online on how to lose weight and who would not want to lose weight fast? Sure, there are many ways to lose weight and some sources are reliable and some are not, but how do you know which ones are reliable? Here is an example:

 The website can be found here: http://www.weightlossnpills.com/

       Above, is an example of a weight loss website I have found from simply searching "how to lose weight fast" on Google. I have underlined in red most of the things that either do not have evidence to support what the website claims and things that the website says that is not credible. Here is a short list of questions you should ask yourself when you are looking at any information related to health (I have used the above image as an example):

1. What is the date? Is it current?

       -This website is from 2008-2010 which is not current, but not really old either

2. What is the source? 

       -This is a website that promotes weight loss pills and "ranks" which one is considered the most effective 

3. What evidence is provided?

       -The website claims that they have "conducted a multi-stage research study", but did not show any signs of research nor evidence on the site.

       -Ratings and reviews are provided, but keep in mind that anyone can submit a review and rating

       -The person who designed the website has control of what people can and can not post and can simply be removed if they choose to

4. Is there potential bias? 

       -They most likely gain financially if people do purchase the pills considering they have a link that connects to where they can purchase the pills

       -A couple code is provided which can prove that it was that particular site that helped them with the sale

5. Does it make sense?

       -In the image above I have underlined in red for things to consider whether it makes sense or not and whether it has evidence to back up what it claims

       -Does it make sense to burn fat "without any physical effort whatsoever"? No.

       -Does the website explain how it is "safe" and "effective" with evidence? No.

       -Where is the research shown? It is not shown on the website, they have only "claimed" they have conducted a research.

       -"Consistently produce excellent results over time": How long is "over time"? There is no evidence that supports this.

On the other hand, here is an example from a credible source:

The website can be found here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001943.htm

Here are a few points that counters what that website says:

1. Evidence is provided with references included in a reliable source.

2. There is no or very little potential bias from a reliable source because the website/company does not gain financially if you believe them.

3. The date is current (2011) of the reliable source.

4. The source and website is by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

5. The information makes sense!

Reference

Medline Plus. (2011). Weight Management. Retrieved June,11, 2011 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001943.htm

WeightLoss n Pills. (2008-10). WeightLoss n Pills Home. Retrieved June, 11, 2011 from http://www.weightlossnpills.com/