'Irresponsible' Diet Chef weight loss advert banned

[Northerner]

A television advert in which a tearful woman meets a slimmer and happier version of herself has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority.

It said the "irresponsible" advert for meal delivery service Diet Chef implied happiness and self-confidence could only be achieved through weight loss.

The advert featured a woman, Cheryl, before and after using the service.

Edinburgh-based Diet Chef said the advert showed her sense of achievement after taking control of her lifestyle.

It said the actor who played both versions of Cheryl had a Body Mass Index of 27.4 when she played the earlier version, which was in the overweight category.

In the advert, the later Cheryl tells her former self: "I know how you feel; you can look that good again, you know," and "I bought a bikini last week, for the first time since this picture."

The former Cheryl says: "You look amazing. I never dreamed I could be that slim again."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37773576

 

[mikeyB]

I remember when I first saw that Ad what a crude effort at stereotyping it was. The "before" version was slumped, no makeup. The "after" version was upright, made up, hair brushed, but quite obviously the same woman and the same size. Weird. Not particularly unattractive either way IMHO.

 

[Amigo]

I think it makes her sound like a simpering idiot to be honest. Not advertising at its best but it no doubt had the necessary impact on the insecure and impressionable which is why I applaud the criticisms.

 

[Mark Parrott]

I saw an advert for XLS Medical pills with a very skinny woman complaining that she can't get into her summer clothes. If anything promoted eating disorders, this ad did. I thought it was totally disgusting.

 

[mikeyB]

XLS Medical stop fat being absorbed. Apart from potential depleting of fat soluble vitamins, this is in effect self infliction of steatorrhea, so stinky slimy poo that's difficult to flush. I take Creon to prevent that. And eat a low fat diet.

They don't tell you that on the pack- they suggest it may cause slight diarrhoea. Aye, right.

 

[Amigo]

XLS Medical stop fat being absorbed. Apart from potential depleting of fat soluble vitamins, this is in effect self infliction of steatorrhea, so stinky slimy poo that's difficult to flush. I take Creon to prevent that. And eat a low fat diet.

They don't tell you that on the pack- they suggest it may cause slight diarrhoea. Aye, right.

That stuff should come with a complimentary Tena pack! 😱