In a now deleted sponsored Instagram post, Kim Kardashian fueled the internet’s anger machine yet again by promoting appetite suppressant lollipops by the Flat Tummy Co. to her 111 million followers. Kim posted a photo of her with the candy and wrote in her caption that the lollipops are “literally unreal”; she was basically advertising a discount for the lollipops.
Fans and other celebrities alike immediately pounced on the post, most claiming it was an unhealthy way to lose weight and promoting unrealistic ideas about healthy eating. After all, Kim does have a bangin’ body, but it’s unlikely she got it just from a few lollipops—she has enough money to hire trainers and chefs and generally have a lifestyle conducive to remaining thin.
Jameela Jamil, star of the excellent NBC comedy The Good Place, had a very strong reaction. On Twitter, Jamil responded by calling Kim a “terrible and toxic influence on young girls.” She praised Kris Jenner’s “branding capabilities” but concluded that “this family makes me feel actual despair over what women are reduced to.” Jamil further suggested eating enough to “fuel your brain and work hard and be successful.”
No. Fuck off. No. You terrible and toxic influence on young girls. I admire their mother’s branding capabilities, she is an exploitative but innovative genius, however this family makes me feel actual despair over what women are reduced to. ☹️ pic.twitter.com/zDPN1T8sBM
MAYBE don’t take appetite suppressors and eat enough to fuel your BRAIN and work hard and be successful. And to play with your kids. And to have fun with your friends. And to have something to say about your life at the end, other than “I had a flat stomach.” 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XsBM3aFtAQ
According to the product page, the lollipops contain satiereal, a “clinically proven safe active ingredient extracted from natural plants” that maximizes satiety and, in turn, controls food intake, cravings, and weight. The company further recommends 1-2 lollipops per day to keep hunger and cravings under control; it is intended to "hold you over" until your next meal and not act as a meal replacement. The brand, which aims to “[help] you get that tummy flat and [keep] it that way,” also sells “flat tummy tea” and “flat tummy shakes.”
Most people took to Twitter to call Kim out, although a few didn’t see the issue and defended her. Check out some of the reactions below.
Forget kale salads, Kim Kardashian thinks all you need is an appetite suppressant lollipop and you're good to go. "They’re literally unreal, " she says in her latest Instagram (sponsored, no less) post.
Instagram is making us insecure. We're all bombarded with images of unattainable lifestyle and beauty. It is known that when you are insecure, you are easier to influence. This web of psychology is what makes Kim Kardashian's promotion of appetite suppressants so alarming.
Surely Kim Kardashian has enough money (and sense) to turn down an advertisement deal for an "appetite suppressing" lollipop???
She’s not wrong. Celebrities with as much influence as Kim Kardashian should be using their platform to promote body positivity and self-love, not 15% off an appetite suppressing lollipop and a 24 inch waist. https://t.co/we8xPid285
Kim Kardashian promoting lollipop appetite suppressants... I have an effective appetite suppressant myself: food. Works a treat.
the kim kardashian lollipop controversy seems silly to me. there is a clear label saying the lollipop should be eaten as a snack to kick cravings until your next meal. if people don’t follow the label, i can’t really see how it’s the celebrity’s fault for promoting it.
Actually feel sorry for Kim Kardashian for once. Her promotion of a diet appetite suppressant lollipop (which I think is a pretty good idea for someone whose anxiety equates to comfort eating at the slightest thing) has come under fire as being 'irresponsible'.
