By: Nikki Nies
In a world with celebrity adoration too common than many would like to admit, which celebrity do you keep close tabs on? Who have you found to follow their latest styles or trends?
I’ve always been a fan of weight loss shows, such as the Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I love seeing the transformation. Even though it might not be the most realistic time frame to lose weight, that argument is for another time.
Long story short, I adore Jillian Michaels. I love her in-your-face attitude. It works on people, but she’s able to quickly use her compassionate side as well. I value her words a little more than Bob Harper, another trainer on the show. Why? I’m not sure, perhaps because I can relate more.
Even with all my adoration, I have drawn a line. Have you ever seen on her weight loss drugs? Part of me things she’s been coaxed into being the “face’ of the weight loss drugs because I like to believe the best in people. I honestly don’t know much about the weight loss drugs, but I don’t like the concept of diet pills.
My point is, there are so many celebrities, doctors and experts ready to give you advice, ready to sell you their product. You have to take all the marketing with a grain of salt. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Let’s take Dr. Oz. My intention isn’t to discredit Dr. Oz’s expertise, intellect or knowledge in the field of medicine and nutrition, but for sake of argument, I am going to use him as a reference in the following paragraphs.
Yes, Dr. Oz, is a doctor, but I’ve noticed how loyal and faithful his fans are. Remember the acai berry craze? Or flaxseed? The paleo diet? or how his recommendations for Schiff omega 3 fish oil products? Is he recommending the brand Schiff because he truly believes it’s the best brand compared to competitiors or because he’s sponsored by them and is being paid to parade their name around?
I don’t know about you, but I wrestle with the concept of intention in many aspects of life. I know Dr. Oz’s intentions are to help his viewers, but where is the line between wanting to help viewers and pleasing his sponsors and pocket some money as well?
After reading this post, I hope you walk away with a greater awareness of who influences your decisions, whether their dietary, social interactions and/or certain purchases. Do you really need such and such products? Think about what impact you want from buying the latest and greatest product, how disappointed will you be if it doesn’t work?
http://patients.about.com/b/2013/01/04/your-opinion-please-how-trustworthy-is-dr-oz.htm
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