The Department of Health has culled its sponsorship with RTE after the programme's depiction of dieting was questioned.
The Department allegedly spent €460,000 on the hit series over the last two years, a figure which was criticised in the Dail. The most recent series, which follows the weight loss journeys of several Irish participants, began airing on January 4.
Sinn Fein politician Mark Ward welcomed the news in a statement and claimed that TV license payers were being charged double for the series. He also spoke out on the show's association with dieting culture and body image.
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Mr Ward said: "I raised this issue last year when I became aware of the situation, and I am happy that taxpayer’s money will not be used to sponsor the show. There has been recent criticism of the show from eating disorder groups like Bodywhys, which stated that community sanctioned dieting culture does little to achieve long-lasting weight loss or health promotion."
The backlash stems from concerns that the show can influence people struggling with eating disorders. Critics argue that the show's format is "triggering" for those struggling with body image, potentially causing distress and mental health problems.
The funds are derived from the department's Healthy Eating fund, which encourages overall wellbeing and better habits. A new campaign, in consultation with the HSE, was set up in 2022 to include eating disorder advocates in the conversation.
Operation Transformation first aired in 2008. The series has impressive ratings, reaching roughly a third of Irish households.
A RTE spokesperson commented: "RTÉ had a commercial arrangement with Healthy Ireland in relation to the sponsorship of Operation Transformation. This commercial partnership came to a natural end when the 2022 series finished."
They continued: "Operation Transformation is now in its 16th season and has evolved over the years in response to both the needs of its audience and societal changes. The show continues to inspire audiences to live longer, healthier, happier lives under the careful supervision of its multidisciplinary team of qualified experts in the areas of mental health, movement/fitness, general health and nutrition."
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