BBC Addresses Backlash Over The Restaurant That Burns Calories

Many have suggested Fred Sirieix and Dr Zoe Williams' BBC Two show promotes an unhealthy relationship with food.

A BBC rep has spoken out about the backlash over The Restaurant That Burns Calories, following its debut on Monday night.

The divisive new show – fronted by First Dates star Fred Sirieix and This Morning medic Dr Zoe Williams – saw 20 diners presented with a menu, where each item was accompanied by the amount of exercise that would be required to burn it off.

In addition to this, the restaurant had an adjoining gym, where fitness fanatics on exercise bikes had to work out harder for everything the diners ordered.

The Restaurant That Burns Calories was met with criticism before it had even aired, with many on social media questioning whether it promoted an unhealthy relationship with food, and could be triggering for anyone who has an existing eating disorder.

Wow this programme on BBC2 'the restaurant that burns calories' is shocking and absolute BS in one. I'm horrified watching this. How triggering for ED sufferers and what an awful and ridiculous concept in itself. #horizon

— Chlo'(e) (@luxidecker) April 20, 2020

It’s taken nearly 10 years to convince myself that it’s okay to eat food and to not punish myself with exercise after eating said food. TV shows like @BBCTwo’s The Restaurant that Burns Off Calories is so out of touch and insensitive.

— Danielle (@danikittyjoshua) April 20, 2020

Very upset that @BBCTwo are currently broadcasting a programme called ‘The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories’. I think it’s dangerous and insensitive and that’s all I have to say on the matter. @BBC

— Emma (@emmaduIey) April 20, 2020

the pervasive STENCH of fatphobia... y’all really wanna keep people restricted and miserable 🚮 https://t.co/9s1YmC8b6U

— G (@oneofthosefaces) April 20, 2020

I can barely believe this show is being broadcast, not least at a time when people are clearly feeling wound up about not being able to exercise as normal. Weird how mental health discourse feels so present at the moment and yet this was deemed necessary. https://t.co/W6QtQktsCM

— Bethany (@bethanyrutter) April 20, 2020

Shame on you BBC making an already difficult time surrounding food, an even more harmful time by airing The Restaurant That Burns Calories. Promoting weight loss and calorie defecit during a pandemic? Eating disorder aside this is wrong, toxic and more importantly STUPID.

— Molly Wyatt (@mollymokkamole) April 20, 2020

Among these critics was mental health campaigner Hope Virgo, who wrote in an article published on HuffPost UK: “What were the producers thinking suggesting that we need to earn our food (and then burn it off!)? Everyone’s bodies are completely different and we all need different amounts of food.

“This kind of oversimplified messaging around eating and exercise shouldn’t happen ever but especially not during lockdown – a time when so many are struggling with a need for control, and heightened emotions, and lacking their usual support networks.”

Dr Zoe Williams and Fred Sirieix in The Restaurant That Burns Calories
Dr Zoe Williams and Fred Sirieix in The Restaurant That Burns Calories
BBC/Voltage TV

Responding to the backlash, a BBC spokesperson told HuffPost UK on Tuesday: “The intention of the programme was to give viewers information about the latest research into the science of calories, about why our bodies need them and how our bodies use them.

“In particular, it looked at recent studies by academics in both the US and the UK, which suggest that diners may make healthier choices when presented with information about how much activity is required to burn off the calorie content of dishes. The voiceover is clear throughout that there are government guidelines for the recommended number of calories needed for the average man or woman to remain healthy.”

They added: “The programme never endorses or suggests restricting calories below these levels.”

Meanwhile, Fred has also been responding to comments about the show on social media, though it seems he’s not taking much of the criticism on board:

absolutely fuck off with this https://t.co/uRuWPwE1Wt

— Hannah Jane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) April 20, 2020

Enjoy the program later on. Stay safe x

— Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) April 20, 2020

@fredsirieix1 as someone who works in hospitality your first job is to make those you’re serving feel safe and comfortable. as a presenter you have the same responsibility. defend the programme on its own terms if you like but mockery is a shitty response.

— jonathan nunn (@demarionunn) April 20, 2020

😂😂😂

— Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) April 20, 2020

PLEASE can no one watch this utterly irresponsible piece of scraping the barrel crap television https://t.co/QjzbQTsZta

— Eve Simmons (@EveSimmns) April 20, 2020

Enjoy the show later on x

— Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) April 20, 2020

HuffPost UK has also contacted Fred’s management for additional comment.

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