In this learning activity, students will work in groups to research weight loss pills to determine the following facts: (1) Do weight loss pills reduce appetite, reduce absorption, or increase fat burning? (2) How do they work? (3) How effective are they? (4) What side effects could happen? (5) Are there any other benefits or concerns listed? (6) What is the evidence from the research?
The website, Healthline, has 12 popular weight loss pills. The students can use this reference as a guide to research weight loss pills, one from each category: appetite, absorption, and fat-burning.
This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.
Analyze the validity of health claims made concerning health products and services.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Phase
During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
The student will be able to analyze the validity of health claims made concerning weight loss supplements.
Activity Details
Activity Details
The teacher will introduce this activity by asking the students, “How would you know if a weight loss pill is reliable?” Give students a chance to respond. Then the teacher would say, “You always need to do your research and today we are going to do our research.” Divide students into groups with three students in each group and distribute the Weight Loss Pill Research Questions (one per group). The students will complete the questions using the internet and then present their findings to the class.
Assessment Strategies
Assessment Strategies
The student will be assessed on the worksheet and observations during the research process. The worksheet responses will demonstrate students' ability to analyze the validity of the health claims of weight loss pills.