What in the World How can you spot a TikTok wellness scam?
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Mar 20, 2025 Jacqui Wakefield, a BBC Global Disinformation reporter, dives into the murky waters of wellness scams proliferating online. She exposes outlandish claims, from slimming teas to gemstone treatments, all lacking scientific backing. The conversation touches on the disturbing rise of these scams on TikTok, their global impact, and the added risks in Nigeria and Latin America. Wakefield empowers listeners with key warning signs to spot false wellness claims, encouraging skepticism in a landscape filled with misinformation.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Fad
- William Lee Adams' sister, Suzanne, drank apple cider vinegar for a "glow up".
- She was a "recovering fitness addict" who overtrained and tried many supplements.
40 Bananas a Day
- Jacqui Wakefield tried the "40 bananas a day" diet promoted by an influencer.
- She only managed three bananas and experienced her mother's disapproval.
Banana Diet Dangers
- Excessive banana consumption can lead to constipation, high potassium levels, and tooth decay.
- These health risks highlight the potential dangers of following unverified wellness trends.