Over the years we have become somewhat desensitised to the constant touting of weightloss gimmicks proliferating social media.
Be it Kourtney Kardashian selling her shakes or Kylie Jenner a stomach patch, plenty of us barely bat an eyelid at sponsored content posts.
Today, however, it looks like the social media Queen Kim Kardashian West went too far, selling ‘appetite suppressing lollipops.’
The post, which saw the mother of three licking a red lolly, read, ‘#ad You guys… @flattummyco just dropped a new product. They’re Appetite Suppressant Lollipops and they’re literally unreal. They’re giving the first 500 people on their website 15% OFF so it you want to get you hands on some…you need to do it quick! #suckit’
On Flat Tummy Co's website they explain these sweets will keep your 'hunger under control and cravings in-check.'
Social media was quickly abuzz with women calling out the super-controversial advert.
Actress Jameela Jamil, who is spearheading the #IWeigh movement, Tweeted her anger at the 37 year-old, telling her to ‘F*ck off.’
Model Felicity Hayward similarly took offence, writing in the Metro, 'This product is endorsing eating disorders.
'Remember that awful saying "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"? This is exactly the type of mindset this is promoting.'
ELLE UK spoke to the lovely women at Not Plant Based, an eating disorder-fighting platform, who echoed these sentiments. They told us, 'I dread to think of the number of young girls (and boys) rushing out to order multipacks of these lollipops and feeling like sh*te when, two weeks later, they don't magically look like Kim Kardashian.'
After the uproar, the beauty mogul has taken down the post, and has not commented on the fall-out.
The company Kardashian was promoting has kept their lollies on sale and are yet to comment on the star's involvement and subsequent backlash.
In a world where celebrities are selling all kinds of products that purport to keep us in shape, it can be difficult to sort the wood from the trees. Knowing that unqualified people are selling dietary advice is only made worse when you know that 1.25 million people in the UK are battling eating disorders. ELLE UK spoke to registered nutritional therapist Milena Kaler to help us figure out the deal with 'appetite suppressants'.
What is your opinion of appetite suppressing products?
Appetite suppressants sound like an easy solution to help you lose weight but they can have dangerous side effects and may lead to disordered eating.
Have you found appetite suppressant to be helpful in a balanced diet?
While appetite suppressants may seem convenient there is little evidence that they are safe and effective. These products are not a part of balanced diet, they don't address the cause of cravings, and they also can promote eating disorders.
For someone tempted to buy these products, what would you say to them?
There are many reasons why you may feel like you are always hungry but appetite suppressing products will not solve the underlying problem. The reason why you are always hungry may be due to nutrient deficiencies, a lack of fibre, inadequate intake of protein and healthy fats, as well as high level of emotional stress.
What are your tips and tricks for staying full for longer and healthily snacking?
My top tips are:
- Include protein with every meal and snack.
- Snack on nuts or protein energy balls to curb cravings.
- Drink water before meals.
- Address your stress. Being under stress may induce cravings.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
