Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Weight Loss Pills: Facts

Subject Area

Health Education

Grade(s)

8

Overview

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.

    Health Education (2019) Grade(s): 8

    HE19.8.3.1

    Analyze the validity of health claims made concerning health products and services.

    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

    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. 

    Variation Tips

    This learning activity can be used in conjunction with Weight Loss Pills Fact or Fiction  and Weight Loss Pills Findings.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    Before this activity, one copy per group of three students receives the Weight Loss Pill Research Questions

    The students will need access to an internet-capable digital device for research. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO