'You’re supposed to be progressive': Channel 4 accused of 'body shaming' after announcing new series Lockdown Diet

One critic said the channel should make shows to ‘help those with mental health issues instead of contributing to them’

Channel 4 has been accused of promoting “damaging” ideas about weight with the launch of new series Lockdown Diet.

Presented by Dr Michael Mosley, the three-part series promises to get the nation “looking and feeling even better than we did before lockdown” now that “many of us will be realising that our trousers may not fit anymore”.

Channel 4 commissioning editor Adam Vandermark added: “If you’ve succumbed to what’s become known as ‘Quarantine 15’ (the number of pounds many of us believe we’ve put on during lockdown) then Dr Mosley is the man to get you back on track.”

However, Lockdown Diet’s premise came under fire online as critics accused the series of both trivialising the coronavirus and “body shaming” viewers during such a stressful time.

“Have you considered: not doing this,” one Twitter user wrote, adding: “Signed, lost 50lb on my lockdown diet (being intubated for two weeks have me a good head start).”

Another said: “Terrible idea for a show. Making people feel shame for putting on weight when the world seems hard enough already with a pandemic going on. This was an awful idea and should be axed.”

“Absolutely not. Pretty sure people have enough to worry about without adding insecurities regarding their weight and body image. Not a good idea at all,” another social media user said, suggesting that Channel 4 should instead focus on making show to “help those with mental health issues instead of contributing to them”.

Directly addressing the TV channel, one critic wrote: “I can’t overstate how disappointing it is to see you produce a show like this! You’re supposed to be a progressive broadcaster.” Another added: “Really? Body shaming to get viewing figures up?”

A Channel 4 representative told The Independent: “Dr Michael Mosley will tackle face on the potential far reaching health effects of this recent lockdown focusing on three key elements, diet, exercise and immunity. Highlighting the importance of being fit and healthy during this unprecedented time.”

In April, the BBC received similar criticism for their new show The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories, with viewers accusing the channel of encouraging an “unhealthy approach to food” and triggering eating disorder sufferers during lockdown.

More than 1,200 people complained about the one-off special, which was presented by Fred Sirieix and Dr Zoe Williams and saw unsuspecting diners invited to eat a meal while a team had to burn off every single calorie consumed at an onsite gym.

If anyone has been affected by issues surrounding eating disorders, Beat’s Helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677.