HE19.8.3.1
Analyze the validity of health claims made concerning health products and services.
Analyze the validity of health claims made concerning health products and services.
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.
Phase
During/Explore/Explain
HE19.8.3.1
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
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 / 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.
URL (web address)
12 Popular Weight Loss Pills and Supplements Reviewed/Healthline
