Jameela Jamil is a true renaissance woman. The British model, BBC broadcaster, actress, and activist recently gained fame in the United States for her role on NBC comedy The Good Place, which has developed a cult following. However, unlike most celebrities, Jamil isn’t afraid to call out her fellow famous people. In particular, Jamil is openly critical of celebrities who promote sketchy weight loss products on social media.
In March, Jamil called out Khloe Kardashian for promoting a dietary shake on her Instagram account. Jamil believes that these weight loss advertisements could have on women and girls on their social media platforms. The image showed Khloe’s toned abs and a caption that noted the progress was undeniable after drinking the shake for two weeks.
When she saw the post, Jamil called out the Kardashian social media empire. While many celebrities would never criticize one of their colleagues, especially in a piece of #SponCon, or sponsored content, Jamil isn’t afraid to speak up. She has also called out Kim Kardashian and Cardi B for similar weight loss advertisements.
While the makers of Flat Tummy Tea probably aren’t too happy, it’s hard to argue with Jamil’s comments on Khloe’s (now deleted) post:
“If you’re too irresponsible to: a) own up to the fact that you have a personal trainer, nutritionist, probable chef, and a surgeon to achieve your aesthetic, rather than this laxative product… And b) tell them the side effects of this NON-FDA approved product, that most doctors are saying aren’t healthy. Side effects such as: Possible Flat Tummy Tea side effects are cramping, stomach pains, diarrhea and dehydration… Then I guess I have to,” Jamil wrote.
Jamil Wages War Against #SponCon And Weight Loss Products
Of course, these detox and weight loss products are nothing new on Instagram. The social media platform will often feature celebrities highlighting weight loss products, promotional merchandise, and more. This is a smart business strategy for the celebrities on the channel since 85% of consumers will remember the name of a company or advertiser who gives them a free product.
But it’s the potential harm of weight loss products that has caught the eye of Jamil and countless critics across the globe. These products appeal to just about anyone but it’s been the repeated advertisements of these products by the Kardashian family that has withered the patience of Jamil.
Since then, Jamil has called Khloe a “terrible and toxic influence on young girls” and accused the whole Kardashian family of being “double agents for the patriarchy”. Many celebrities earn money through sponsored content; however, they have to be careful when promoting certain types of health products. Millions of Americans are desperate to lose weight, and 20.4% of adults are living with chronic pain. In fact, it’s estimated that 60% of baby boomers will manage a chronic pain condition by 2030. As a result, the makers of weight loss products, supplements, “natural” medicines, and other treatments are eager to connect with the social media public via popular celebrity accounts.
The Instagram post was eventually deleted, but the Kardashians have defended their right to post sponsored content, claiming to only endorse products that they actually use. On top of that, Khloe claimed to never have used a personal chef and often features her workouts on social media for those who don’t have access to a personal trainer.
Kim Kardashian also noted that this financial decision is a benefit for their children, which will soon grow with the birth of her fourth child later this year. She claims that anyone in their shoes would do the same thing to support their family. Even mother Kris Jenner weighed in. She claimed that 90% of the world is happy for their family and their journey and that they don’t want the negative energy associated with these comments.
As though to nail the topic shut, ex-Kardashian husband Scott Disick has also begun promoting weight loss products on his Instagram.
“Getting fit on @boombod weight loss shots. Already seeing great results. It’s up to 50% off today, go get your own at boombod.com,” Disick wrote.
Since then, the celebrity has been slammed by news outlets for his blatant advertising and spammy content. And Jamil isn’t the only critic. Health professionals have also weighed in on the matter to get some perspective for this celebrity clash.
“Detox teas can also trigger a laxative effect, which causes your body to eliminate waste from your GI tract, another result that can make your stomach flatter, and allow you to feel lighter, even if your lean-to-fat ratio remains exactly the same,” notes Health editor Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD.
She goes on to note that it’s easy to gain back the weight once you stop taking these potentially harmful products.
Celebrities aren’t just promoting weight loss shakes, either. Many celebs are also promoting pharmaceutical products, detoxes, and supplements. Advertisements for many such products are strictly regulated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a strict organic certification program that governs how organic food is grown, handled, and processed. Then there’s the Food and Drug Administration, which has regulations about the way medicines are labeled and marketed. However, many supplements and weight loss products fall into a legal gray area, allowing them to make very questionable claims in celebrity Instagram posts.
Jamil Wants To Launch A “Revolution Against Shame”
Jameela Jamil has won a number of fans for her honest opinions on sponsored content. During Coachella weekend, the actress told People that she doesn’t regret speaking up.
“I’m not nervous to call anyone out,” Jamil told People magazine recently. “I think girls, in particular, are scared because we’re always told to not be unlikable, and not to be difficult, and to be perfect. I would like to, hopefully, be a force of change in that [and] show people that sometimes you have to be scary, and you have to be intimidating, and you have to be bold, and you have to be unlikable in order to protect yourself and to protect other people.”
While the Kardashians are undeniable social media royalty, Jamil is part of a growing number of young women embracing the body positive spirit online. Jamil is the founder of the movement “I Weigh” which supports women and girls to look beyond their weight and highlight their positive attributes. She has since noted the irony that the movement began in a post defending the Kardashians.
Jamil has also started a Change.org petition to “stop celebrities promoting toxic diet products on social media.” So far, more than 240,000 people have signed her petition, which she hopes will persuade Instagram to ban sponsored content pushing diet products.
She writes:
“In the last few years we have seen a scary rise in the marriage of celebrity and diet/detox endorsement. There’s little to no information about the side effects or main ingredients, the harm they may cause or any of the science behind how these products are supposed to work. They are instead, flogged in glossy paid adverts by celebrities and influencers with no expertise or authority in nutrition/medicine/biology.”
To learn more about Jameela Jamil and I WEIGH, visit her Instagram profile.
