Check what the study actually examined
Ask whether the research involved people, animals, cells or a model. Check who participated and whether the study measured a health outcome or an intermediate marker. The source article should explain these distinctions. A finding in one group does not automatically apply to every reader, and an association is not the same as proof of cause.
Look for absolute numbers
Risk can sound very different when expressed as a percentage alone. A claim about an increase or reduction needs a starting point, a timeframe and the population being described. Look for those details in the original study or a careful explanation of it. If they are missing, treat the headline as incomplete rather than filling in the gaps yourself.
Use reporting to inform a conversation
Check the publisher, publication date, named evidence and any commercial interests. Be cautious of stories that combine a startling claim with an immediate product sale. Reliable health information should make room for uncertainty and alternatives. A news article can help you prepare questions for a qualified health professional; it cannot assess your medical history or replace individual care. Do not change prescribed treatment because of a headline.
Put these questions into practice: Living with chronic body odour: the social impact
