This Morning segment discussing 800-calorie diet prompts nearly 2,000 complaints to Ofcom

Episode was accused of being ‘irresponsible’ and ‘damaging’ by viewers

Broadcasting standards watchdog Ofcom has reportedly received nearly 2,000 viewer complaints about an episode of ITV talk show This Morning.

The complaints concern a segment during last Friday’s (26 March) episode, in which a daily 800-calorie diet was discussed as part of a “rapid weight loss” scheme.

Doctor Michael Mosely appeared on the show to explain his controversial dietary advice, which viewers branded “dangerous”.

Mosely, known for the Channel 4 series Lose a Stone in 21 Days, claimed that it could be a “safe and effective” method of losing weight to consume between 800 and 1,000 calories per day, “if you do it properly”.

The segment provoked a backlash on social media, with many viewers disputing Mosely’s advice, and questioning whether it should have been featured on the programme.

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“Beyond appalled that #ThisMorning are conveying a message that eating 800 calories a day is ok,” wrote one viewer.

“A toddler needs more than that! An extremely damaging message.”

Another described the segment as “possibly one of the most irresponsible things this programme has done”.

Ofcom confirmed to Manchester Evening News that it had received 1,932 complaints about the episode, but did not say whether an investigation would take place.

The Independent has contacted ITV for comment.