Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Doctor: Ban surgery adverts during show
A HARLEY Street doctor says cosmetic surgery adverts during Love Island breaks could be destroying the confidence of young men and women.
Dr Becky Spelman branded the commercials “predatory and exploitative” and claimed they were targeting younger and easily influenced viewers.
The psychologist has called for the adverts to be banned.
She said: “I was shocked to see ITV showing cosmetic surgery ads during Love
Island, and I feel it should be stopped.
“It’s a dangerous time to be showing these ads to viewers.
“Don’t try to put these ideas in someone’s head when they aren’t necessarily seeking surgery already.
“I am aware of the extremes people go to in the quest for body perfection, but extreme surgeries never fix a person’s insecurities.
“In the best case this is only a short-
term solution. In the worst case it can lead to irreversible damage. “Cosmetic surgery can be addictive and needs to be carefully considered by an individual before going under the knife.”
She has launched a petition to stop the ads being shown during reality TV shows where there are contestants with a modelling background.
Dating show Love Island is a constant parade of chiselled abs and taut tums, raising concerns it causes viewers to suffer body confidence issues and low self-esteem.
It has come under fire for not introducing contestants whose bodies aren’t perfect. Last night ITV declined to comment about the adverts.