Our Methodology: The TrustHub Vetting Protocol

In an industry flooded with misinformation and quick fixes, TrustHub is dedicated to providing only evidence-based, sustainable weight loss information. Since we do not rely on a public team of named experts, our methodology—the rigorous process by which we vet every claim, article, and recommendation—is our commitment to your health and success.

Our entire operation is founded on a principle of scientific rigor and absolute transparency. Below is the four-step protocol every piece of content must pass before it is published and after it is reviewed.

1. Source Requirement and Selection (The Evidence Base)

Every claim made on TrustHub must be verifiable by high-quality, non-biased sources. We prioritize and rely exclusively on the following hierarchy of clinical evidence:

Tier 1: Gold Standard

  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Summaries of multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): The highest form of clinical evidence.

Tier 2: Strong Support

  • Large Cohort Studies: Long-term studies tracking large populations.
  • Authoritative Institutional Data: Reports from established, non-profit medical and governmental bodies (e.g., NIH, CDC, major university medical centers).

Sources We Exclude

We automatically discard sources based on:

  • Unattributed claims or personal anecdotes.
  • Single-product promotional materials or company blogs.
  • Content from sources lacking editorial or medical review standards.

2. The Content Vetting Checklist (The Three-Point Safety Scan)

Once supporting evidence is gathered, the information is processed against our three core filters to ensure it aligns with our philosophy of safe, long-term health.

A. Safety & Health Risk Assessment

The primary check: Does this recommendation carry any documented long-term health risk? We reject any strategy associated with nutritional deficiencies, extreme metabolic adaptation, or severe negative impacts on the gut microbiome or hormonal balance. Safety is non-negotiable.

B. Scientific Plausibility & Replication

We verify that the mechanism of action is scientifically sound and that the findings have been replicated across multiple independent studies. A single, small study is never enough to justify a primary recommendation.

C. Sustainability & Real-World Application

We assess the practicality: Can a motivated individual maintain this behavior or dietary change for over six months? If the advice is too restrictive, prohibitively expensive, or socially isolating, it fails the sustainability test, regardless of short-term effectiveness.

3. Transparency and Citation

We uphold a standard of radical transparency so you can perform your own checks.

  • Inline Citations: Where appropriate, content links directly to the primary source material (e.g., “A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found…”).
  • Full Reference Section: Every major article and guide concludes with a numbered “References” section, listing every source used to construct the piece.
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure: TrustHub does not accept payment for product reviews or endorsements. Any external links to products or services (e.g., affiliate links) are clearly marked and governed by our Transparency Policy.

4. Regular Review and Maintenance

The field of nutrition and exercise science evolves rapidly. Our content is not static.

  • Review Cycle: All major articles and pillar pages are scheduled for an official Scientific Review Date every 12 to 18 months, or immediately following the release of a significant contradictory meta-analysis.
  • Update Tracking: When an article is updated, a clear “Last Updated” date is displayed to assure users they are reading the most current information available.
  • Error Reporting: We encourage users to report any potential errors or new contradictory research they find via our contact form, ensuring our community helps maintain our high standards.

By committing to this transparent protocol, TrustHub ensures that the advice you receive is credible, safe, and designed for genuine, sustainable weight loss.