Food

Channel 4 show ‘Lose a Stone in 21 Days’ condemned as ‘irresponsible’ as eating disorder charity keeps helplines open during show



A programme on Channel 4 that claims it can teach viewers how to lose a stone in just 21 days has been heavily criticised on social media for promoting “unhealthy relationships with food“ and being “triggering” for people with eating disorders.

The first episode of Lose a Stone in 21 Days with Michael Mosley aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday 5 August.

The show, which is led by qualified doctor and television presenter Dr Michael Mosley, claims that its aim is to help the nation “get our health back on track” with a “lifestyle intervention and diet”, stating that “lockdown has been bad for the nation’s health”.


However, the doctor’s assertion that people can lose a stone in 21 days by consuming 800 calories a day has received a huge backlash on Twitter.

Dr Mosley told Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on ITV’s This Morning that the methodology for the show is based on several recent “big randomised controlled trials”, adding that he is being assisted by his wife, GP Dr Clare Bailey, who recently ran a study where participants consumed 800 calories for eight weeks.

The NHS states that while the ideal daily intake of calories depends on several factors including age, metabolism and how active a person is, the average recommended daily intake of calories is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men.

In response to the programme, eating disorder charity Beat announced that it was extending the hours of its helpline to coincide with the airing of the show, remaining open until 11pm as opposed to the typical 8pm.

One Twitter user described Lose a Stone in 21 Days as “so problematic on so many levels”, stating that a person should not try to consume 800 calories a day “unless instructed by a doctor (for some reason)”.

“[The show] serves to do nothing but create deeply unhealthy relationships with food that aren’t sustainable,” they added.

Another person stated that the programme should be accompanied by a trigger warning for people who may struggle with their relationship with food.

“I’m still raging after the show last night,” someone else commented. “So dangerous and irresponsible. I’m confused as to how it was deemed appropriate to be aired.”

“Shocking, I can’t believe this has been allowed to be promoted, this is sick and triggering and completely unsustainable,” another said.

In April, a programme on BBC Two called The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories was accused of not being “remotely responsible” for people with eating disorders.

The Independent has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact eating disorder charity Beat for support by calling the helpline on 0808 801 0677, the studentline on 0808 801 0811 or the youthline on 0808 801 0711.

The helplines are open every day from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 4pm to 8pm on weekends and bank holidays.

You can also contact the charity via webchat.





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