‘Skinny jabs’ adverts halted on Instagram

♦ A series of “skinny jabs” adverts on Instagram have been banned after a watchdog found they exploited body insecurities.

The Advertising Standards Authority took action against three firms for promoting prescriptiononly injections used to treat diabetic and obese patients.

The posts, promoted by celebrities such as Gemma Collins from The Only Way is Essex, claimed the drugs would “suppress appetite”.

Skinnyjab, which had a drug backed by Collins, said: “We are extremely disappointed the watchdog failed to consider extra evidence before reaching its verdict in relation to one of the adverts which we dispute should have been marked as an ad. That said, we regret any lapses.”