The belief that celebrities endorse alternative health therapies could see the ordinary public taking health risks,
Four out of five women are willing to spend money on a health treatment they believe is being used by celebrities without evidence it is working, the study that polled 200 doctors found.
Douglas Wright, of the surveying firm, Aviva, said: “Too many women are wasting money following health fads that have little effect. What’s more worrying is that some are opting for treatment trends rather than seeking medical advice – they might not be fashionable but tried and tested health routes are safer and more beneficial.”
Some of the treatments include colonic irrigation and cupping – a form of acupuncture used by Gwyneth Paltrow where heated cups are placed on the skin and on which the jury is out. The procedure topped a list put together by doctors of health hoaxes.
Paltrow has long endorsed yoga and alternative health approaches. Her friend, Madonna, is said to use B-12 injections, while former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell tried costly food intolerance tests.
Colonic irrigation, second on the list, sounds like a good idea with a simple enough procedure: a water-filled tube is placed in the bowel to irrigate the gut. But no real evidence exists as to its value or on how it works, according to the NHS Choices website.
Because its use is believed to be widespread, the ordinary public may be tricked into thinking it is safe. Other procedures in the top 10 include in order of ranking [4] detoxing; [5] macrobiotic diets; [6] aromatherapy; [7] reflexology; [8] vitamin B-12 injections; [9] extreme yoga; and [10] overnight health farm stays.
