In this segment of Psychology Behind the Headlines, hosts Patricia Wu and Jessica Reyes discuss Katie Price’s controversial ad for her low-calorie diet with holistic lifestyle coach Erinne Guthrie.
An Irresponsible and Dangerous Ad Campaign
An Instagram advert featuring Katie Price promoting a low-calorie diet for The Skinny Food Co has been banned by the advertising watchdog for being “irresponsible”. The advert showed Price consuming meals totaling only 755 calories a day, significantly below the recommended daily intake. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) criticized the ad for failing to state that such low-calorie diets should only be followed short-term and with medical advice.
Failed to Meet Advertising Standards
The ASA also found the ad was not clearly labeled as an advertisement, further violating advertising regulations. The watchdog has instructed both Price and The Skinny Food Co. to ensure that future adverts are clearly identifiable as marketing communications and comply with all relevant rules.
Price and Company Instructed to Comply with Regulations
Price has since removed the advert and has requested further information on how to make similar posts compliant in the future. The ASA has emphasized that any future advertisements must not irresponsibly promote diets below 800 calories a day and must only make authorized health claims.
