Fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks, renowned for his family-friendly PE sessions during lockdown, is facing a fierce backlash over his latest social media post. The Body Coach has been accused of promoting potentially dangerous body standards after showcasing an extremely lean and 'shredded' physical transformation.
A Transformation That Triggered Alarm
Wicks shared a side-by-side comparison image on his Instagram, captioning it with details of his intense 11-week training and diet regimen to achieve a significantly lower body fat percentage. While some followers praised his dedication, the post immediately raised red flags for eating disorder charities and mental health professionals.
Experts were quick to voice their concerns in the comments section and in statements to the press. They warned that such extreme physical transformations, when shared with millions of followers, can glorify unsustainable and unhealthy practices, potentially acting as a trigger for individuals susceptible to or recovering from eating disorders.
The Experts Weigh In
Leading eating disorder charity Beat expressed profound disappointment. A spokesperson stated that showcasing such drastic body changes undermines the message of body positivity and health that influencers should be promoting. They emphasised that equating extreme leanness with health is a dangerous misconception.
Nutritionists and psychologists echoed these sentiments, pointing out that maintaining such a low body fat level is not only incredibly difficult but often requires restrictive eating patterns that are mentally and physically taxing, far from the balanced approach to wellness usually advocated for the public.
A Divided Response Online
The reaction on social media was deeply polarised. While a contingent of fans defended Wicks, celebrating his hard work and right to share his personal journey, a significant number of comments reflected worry and disappointment.
Many shared personal stories, explaining how such content had negatively impacted their own relationship with food and exercise. The criticism centres not on Wicks's personal goals, but on the immense platform he has and the responsibility that comes with it to promote safe, inclusive, and mentally healthy fitness ideals.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of fitness influencers and the fine line between inspiration and potentially harmful content.
