Proper communication of scientific messages to the general public and by the media is both an opportunity and a challenge.1 Accurate communication acquires even more relevance for public health issues and lifestyle choices. If the disseminated messages pertain to major problems with large burden of disease, such as obesity or hypertension, and the messages are true, the benefit can be substantial. Conversely, confusion arises when minor and uncertain issues occupy more attention than the key problems and higher certainty solutions. Lack of proportionality may blur what is essential and what is known.