Evaluation tool for weight gain product advertisements
- Does it describe how the product works?
No Partially Yes
0 1 2
- Does it describe the benefits of not being underweight?
NB: infertility, depression, abnormal hunger regulation, unable to keep warm
No Partially Yes
0 1 2
- Does it state ingredients of the product?
Not Applicable ………………………….. Rating score = 0
Yes, does it include any of these ingredients?
3.1 Steroid or steroid hormone precursor (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, 4-Androstene-3,17-dione, 19-Nor-4-Androstene-3,17-diol, 19-Nor-4-Androstene-3,17-dione, 5-Androstene-3,17-diol, 19-Nor-5-Androstene-3,17-dione)
Yes No
3.2 GHB (Gammahydroxy-butyrate) or Gamma-butyrolactone
Yes No
3.3 1,4-butanediol
Yes No
3.4 Ephedrine group alkaloids or Ma Huang
Yes No
3.5 Creatine
Yes No
Rating question
0 1 2
>1 yes 1 yes All no
- Does it describe the risks of this product?
4.1 consult with medical professional for specific people
Yes No Not Applicable
4.2provide customer warnings
Yes No Not Applicable
4.3 can experience any side effects e.g. infertility, psychological problems, breast growth, severe acne, aggressiveness, irritability, hair loss
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating the question
0 1 2 3
All no All yes
- Does it mention other strategies for helping to gain weight or build muscle?
5.1 exercise
Yes No Not Applicable
5.2 adequate protein intake
Yes No Not Applicable
5.3 eating enough calories from carbohydrates, fat, vegetables, beans, pulses and whole grains
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating the question
0 1 2 3
All no All yes
- Does it say it has scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of the product?
6.1 results from rigorous trials
Yes No Not Applicable
6.2results from studies, but no evidence
Yes No Not Applicable
6.3testimonials from users including pictures to show “before and after” use
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating the question
0 1 2 3
All no All yes
- Is the efficacy of product claimed to?
7.1 boost testosterone levels
Yes No Not Applicable
7.2build muscle or gain weight in very short time
Yes No Not Applicable
7.3increase strength, muscle growth
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating the question
0 1 2 3
All yes All no
- Does it refer to areas of uncertainty?
8.1 other choices for weight gain
Yes No Not Applicable
8.2 contradictory evidence
Yes No Not Applicable
8.3 benefit to a specific group
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating the question
0 1 2 3
All no All yes
- Does it include: -
9.1 Recommended dosage
Yes No Not Applicable
9.2Cost
Yes No Not Applicable
9.3Duration of use
Yes No Not Applicable
Rating Question
0 1 2 3
All no All yes
- Based on the answers to all of the above questions, rate the overall quality of information on Web site about weight gain products, based on a total score for each section.
Low High
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