Former ‘Fat Families’ presenter Steve Miller appeared on Good Morning Britain today arguing obese people should be refused junk food in restaurants in order to ‘save their life’.
A discussion about whether there should be a junk food ban for the overweight became heated when ‘weight loss expert’ Steve Miller told journalist Dr Ateh Jewel to ‘stop talking waffle’ when she argued that the ban is ‘fat shaming’.
Opening up the debate, Susanna Reid said: “This is fat shaming at its worst,” to which Steve replied: “Oh here we go again.”
Susanna said: “Are you suggesting that if I’m overweight and I turn up at my favourite restaurant there’s going to be a fat shaming security guard on the door who says ‘nope you’re not allowed in, you’re not on the thin list’?"
Steve replied: “That’d be a bit daft wouldn’t it.
“But the thing is, whenever we talk about a subject like this we always raise those two words which are ‘fat shaming.’ Listen, we need to turn this around and call it ‘life saving’," said Steve.
“What I’m thinking is that for those people who have a BMI of 40 plus, and we’re talking really quite big there right, to save their life and refuse to serve junk people to those people.”
“And that person simply goes home, goes on their takeaway app and orders food, or opens the fridge and takes whatever is in the fridge?” asked Susanna.
“When you say we shouldn’t use the words ‘fat shaming’ that is literally what you’re suggesting happens to people, because they can eat unhealthily at home.”
Steve, who now runs his own weight loss business, said: “We have to have some behaviour change in the UK and if that means being cruel to be kind sometimes then that’s what we’re going to have to do.”
Journalist and blogger Dr Ateh Jewel said: “It would be laughable if it wasn’t so dangerous, it feels like a Black Mirror episode.
Speaking of her own weight journey, Dr Jewel said: “I gave myself type 2 diabetes and I had an amazing doctor who said ‘no one has a food problem, they have a feelings problem’.
“And the only way to tackle this is through love, connection, positivity and coping mechanisms.
“I’ve had people like Steve tell me ‘no, not for you’ all my life.
"As soon as I started doing things which sparked joy in me, I lost four stone in four months.
"Shame kills millions of people, shame is what stops people reaching for help."
Adil interjected the conversation, saying: “You did talk about tough love though didn’t you Steve” to which Steve replied: “Just get a grip for goodness sake.
“[We are talking about] those people who really struggle with food addiction, those people are literally eating their own grave, so this isn’t about being cruel.”
Dr Jewel hit back: “Honestly I think Steve is being very lazy in his approach and the thought of having to present a BMI to get a Big Mac is kind of ridiculous.
“What has to happen is conversations about loving yourself, empowering yourself."
“You are talking absolute waffle,” said Steve, becoming increasingly agitated.
Susanna injected: “Well let’s just listen to what Adeh is saying because if it’s resulted in a four stone weight loss, that’s worth listening to.
“It is not about listening to the Steve Miller’s of this world, it is about loving yourself, cutting out toxic people, cutting out the negative noise," said Dr Jewel.
“Steve, you’re talking about how you feel about yourself, are you okay hun? Grow up.”
