Fitness Magazine Apologizes For Asking Readers To ‘Burn Off Christmas Calories’
Image via Shutterstock
A women’s health magazine has apologized for a tweet that encouraged its readers to “burn off those Christmas calories.”
Women’s Fitness magazine tweeted, “Are you getting out for a run, walk, or cycle today? It’s a great day to burn off those Christmas calories… post your pics here.”
The attempt to call on people to share their exercise routines backfired, as many started criticizing the magazine for its post. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Sarah Vohra labeled the language used in the tweet as “hugely concerning and problematic.”
“As a mainstream fitness magazine, why not use the opportunity to promote the positive mental and physical health benefits to be gained from going outdoors/exercise; improved mood, better sleep, more energy etc. Disappointing!” Dr Vohra said. She has removed her response since.
The magazine apologized to Vohra’s tweet, stating, “The reality is that some people will have eaten more than usual and may be feeling that they want to do something about it. Or some people may feel OK with it.”
Others also accused the publication of using “damaging” language, urging it to remove the tweet. This prompted the magazine to issue an apology, stating that its intention was to encourage people to work out over the festive period.
“Sorry to anyone upset by our recent post about getting out and burning off Xmas calories,” it said. “We were trying to encourage you to exercise, share your pics and to not to wait until January if you have fitness or weight-loss goals. We know that not everyone exercises for weight loss.”
Are you getting out for a run, walk or cycle today? It’s a great day to burn off those Christmas calories… post your pics here! pic.twitter.com/aG7vQIp9nu
— Women's Fitness mag (@WomensFitnessuk) December 27, 2020
Sorry to hear you've seen some distressing examples of food issues. We weren't saying people had to burn off calories. The reality is that some people will have eaten more than usual and may be feeling that they want to do something about it. Or some people may feel OK with it.
— Women's Fitness mag (@WomensFitnessuk) December 27, 2020
Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate!
— Rhiannon Lambert (@Rhitrition) December 27, 2020
I find it really sad that in 2020 you’re promoting the need to ‘burn off’ Christmas calories😢 I think that’s a very triggering and outdated message to be sharing. You’re encouraging women to work out from a place of guilt/shame which I think is very negative and dangerous
— Stay Sassy 💕 (@stephelswood) December 27, 2020
PSA: no one needs to ‘burn off’ or feel guilty about Christmas calories!!!! I for one will not be moving today. see also: @stephelswood insta story.
— Harriet Prior (@HarrietEPrior) December 27, 2020
Sorry to anyone upset by our recent post about getting out and burning off Xmas calories. We were trying to encourage you to exercise, share your pics and to not to wait until January if you have fitness or weight-loss goals. We know that not everyone exercises for weight loss. pic.twitter.com/sRTC4omxu8
— Women's Fitness mag (@WomensFitnessuk) December 27, 2020
[via Insider, cover image via Shutterstock]
