‘Unhealthy’ BBC show The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories receives 1,200 complaints

Experts accused programme of being ‘triggering’ for people who struggle with eating disorders

The BBC has received 1,216 complaints over its show The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories, which viewers accused of having an “unhealthy approach to food”.

Presented by Fred Sirieix and Dr Zoe Williams, the one-off Horizon programme saw unsuspecting diners invited to eat a meal while, unbeknownst to them, a secret team had to burn off every single calorie consumed at an onsite gym.

The premise was based on science suggesting that when we see just how much exercise is required to burn off what we eat, we consume up to 20 per cent less food.

According to the BBC’s fortnightly complaints report, viewers who complained “felt the programme presented an unhealthy approach to food and calorie intake”.

The show received criticism from experts after it aired, with many claiming it could be “triggering” for people who struggle with eating disorders.

Director of services for eating disorder charity Beat, Caroline Price, told The Independent: “We know that the myth that all calories eaten must be cancelled out through exercise has the potential to be devastating to those suffering from or vulnerable to eating disorders.

“Being told how much activity it would take to burn off particular foods risks triggering the illness further, and we strongly advise against anyone at risk to avoid these sources of information.

“We would urge television commissioners to consider the impact that their programmes may have on vulnerable people, and instead focus on healthy and balanced eating.”

The charity even kept its online peer support group The Sanctuary open late on the night the show aired to deal with the fallout from the show, tweeting: “Our services have sadly been in high demand tonight due to BBC2’s The Restaurant that Burns Off Calories.”

If anyone has been affected by the issues raised in "The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories", Beat’s Helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677.