The fitness industry is plagued with a seemingly endless amount of misinformation. We are constantly bombarded with information on social media, so it is no wonder that it finds its way in. This article aims to explore why misinformation is so prevalent and what you can do to avoid it.
If you were to ask any person on the street how to get in shape, chances are they’d say something along the lines of eating healthy and exercising. There is obviously nuance to these topics, but in general that just about covers it. Drink enough water to be hydrated, prioritize whole foods but don’t fear other options, lift some type of weight multiple times a week, and do some type of cardio almost regularly. The entire discussion beyond that is just fine-tuning for individual needs. There are no secrets. When something is that simple, it is easy for it to get boring.
It is worth noting that some people may spread false information by accident. Given the vast amount of information available, it’s hard not to fall for it occasionally. However, it's important to verify facts from reliable sources before sharing them with others. Correcting past mistakes is also important. Even the most accurate scientific analyses are subject to corrections when further information emerges.
Social media is all about engagement. For some people, posting on social media is a full time job that pays their bills. You can only say the same boring things so many times before people stop engaging with your content. Some people have the talent of presenting facts in an engaging and interesting way, but such individuals are few and far between. Once people start losing engagement on the very posts that keep them afloat, they may start bending the truth in desperation. They might begin with exaggeration but can even end up blatantly lying. There is a spectrum to this, and some people have less of a conscience than others.
When money starts to flow, it is very easy for people to lose sight of right and wrong, especially when the wrong is what’s putting money in their pockets. Aside from lying to keep users engaged, others will sell products based on falsehoods. If you could increase the sales of something that funds your lifestyle by stretching the truth, wouldn’t you do that? Hopefully the answer is no, but you can see how it’s easy to fall into this mindset. Money has been the root of all evil for a long time and it doesn’t seem like that’s changing anytime soon.
Getting in shape also takes patience. It can take weeks, months, or even longer to see a change in your body depending on how advanced you are. Fitness is a long-term journey rather than a quick fix. The world today is so fast-paced, which makes it even harder to remain patient. We can achieve instant gratification for nearly everything we desire. Charlatans love to capitalize on this with promises of fast and easy results. Anything of value requires hard work and dedication. If you could really get in shape as fast as some claim, there wouldn’t be much of an industry for it in the first place.
Now that you understand why there is so much misinformation in fitness, it is time to look at how you can avoid it. If someone creates a problem and immediately tries to sell you a solution, that should be a huge red flag. It can be a supplement, gym equipment, clothes, a training program, etc. If they convince you of some problem you’ve never heard of before while simultaneously having the only solution for it, that is almost certainly a scam that you should investigate further before believing.
This leads to the next point: claiming that their products have a 100% satisfaction rate. Genuine people who sell quality fitness products will always tell you that their products are optional and not for everyone. Even the most extensively researched and formulated pharmaceutical-grade drugs do not have a 100% success rate. There are no absolutes in this complex world. Avoid falling for the “100% satisfaction guarantee” lingo that shady salespeople use.
Be wary of sensational language. Words like 'miraculous,' 'revolutionary,' 'amazing,' 'secret,' etc., can be red flags as they often signal exaggerated claims or unrealistic promises. These terms are frequently used to create hype and undermine scrutiny. Genuine products and services are typically described with clear, straightforward language that accurately reflects their real benefits, which are never magical. Always look for detailed information and evidence to back up any claims.
Charlatans love using fear tactics to get your attention. If some seemingly harmless food item is now an evil poison that will kill you, they’re probably lying for engagement. There is a lot of engagement to be had from unpopular opinions presented as facts. There are very rarely foods that are inherently bad for you. Foods become damaging when consumed in excess, particularly calorie-dense options that lack nutrition.That doesn’t mean you have to stop eating them, just that you should not prioritize them. Anybody who is truly interested in improving your nutrition will always encourage you to learn about moderation. Labeling foods as evil or poisonous is not conducive to having a healthy relationship with nutrition.
The bottom line is to always remain a skeptic. Always verify credentials, evaluate claims, consult experts, and most importantly, trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. If someone says that their information is confirmed by studies, then ask for those studies and actually read them. A lot of people cherry-pick research to support their claims because they know most people won't check the sources. Genuine educators will always encourage criticism and skepticism, even of themselves. If you need to make a drastic life change because of one Instagram video you saw, then you should probably do some more research. By maintaining a healthy level of skepticism and thoroughness, you can navigate the vast sea of information more effectively and make informed, reliable decisions about your health and fitness.
