Don’t believe everything you see from health industry experts, as not all information you’ll hear about is accurate. Don’t let the health industry’s biggest liars get the best of you, by knowing who these imposters are.

Medical Talk Show Scams

Be wary when it comes to televised medical talk shows. A 2014 study published in the British Medical Journal found that evidence supported just 46 percent of health claims made by Dr. Oz, and that the public should be skeptical when listening to advice given on such shows.

Similar to Dr. Oz, don’t believe everything you hear when it comes to watching The Doctors show on television. The validity of information on the show was also questioned in the 2014 study in the British Medical Journal. Researchers found that of the health claims identified in The Doctors show, just 63 percent were supported by evidence. This percentage is significantly higher than for the Dr. Oz show but still doesn’t make health information talked about on the show worth believing.

Illegal Cancer Treatments

Unless you’re undergoing cancer treatment with a licensed health care professional, use caution when being told about over-the-counter cancer treatment products. Such products aren’t proven to treat or prevent cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that 14 U.S. based companies are illegally selling products (such as creams, ointments, pills, oils, teas and diagnostic devices) that fraudulently claim to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure cancer — and are being sold without FDA approval.

Weight Loss Products

When you’re paying a lot of money for weight loss programs, beware: it might be a scam. Don’t break the bank for “weight loss” products that are simply a way to follow a very low-calorie diet. You can lose weight on your own (without expensive weight loss products) using this method of calorie reduction. The FDA says that over-the-counter weight loss products classified as dietary supplements may contain hidden (harmful) ingredients, including controlled substances and other prescription drugs — and that hidden ingredients are becoming a problem among companies that manufacture weight loss products.

Body Wraps

Companies that manufacture body wraps claim these wraps significantly reduce body fat in just a 24-hour period! If something appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. Selling body wraps make companies a lot of money, but don’t believe everything you hear. Reducing body fat by simply wrapping up your body (without dieting or exercise) doesn’t make logical sense. While a wrap may compress your skin causing a temporary tighter, more toned look — and wrapping your stomach tightly could help you to eat less — wraps are no substitution for a healthy lifestyle of clean eating and regular exercise.

Natural Male Enhancement Pills

Be wary of products marketed as natural male enhancement pills, as these products may contain hidden ingredients not listed on the label. The FDA says certain drug ingredients (such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra) may be present in “natural” erectile dysfunction products in very high (even dangerous) dosages. So always check with your doctor before trying any type of male enhancement treatment or product.

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