The Department of Health has ceased its sponsorship of RTE’s Operation Transformation after two years.
The news was confirmed by a Department spokesperson who told the Irish Mirror: "Operation Transformation has continued without the Healthy Ireland sponsorship for its current 2023 season".
Despite their parting of ways, they said: "The many positive elements of the show, which align with the Healthy Ireland goals, continue to expand".
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On the reality TV show, participants work with professionals to lose weight and get fit - with the help of a dietician, fitness instructor and psychologist.
The programme has been called out by eating disorder groups, such as Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland for its unhealthy portrayal of 'diet culture', however the Department has confirmed that this had no weight in their decision.
On Thursday, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD welcomed the department of Health’s decision not to continue sponsoring the RTE show and said the department has better ways to spend €460,000 over two years.
“I think the Department of Health have much better ways to spend public money than sponsoring Operation Transformation to the tune of €460,000 in the previous two years,” he said.
“TV licence payers are basically being taxed on the double for this show.
“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 that community sanctioned dieting culture does little to achieve long-lasting weight loss or health promotion
“This follows on from strong criticism of the show by eating disorder support groups who accused the show of triggering some people with the condition, causing them distress and mental health problems.
“I welcome that last year a new citizen engagement campaign was designed by the Department of Health in consultation with the HSE and key stakeholders including Bodywhys & the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity.
“This is much better process and its important that eating disorder advocates are part of the conversation".
A Department of Health spokesperson went on to clarify that: "Any suggestion that the decision not to sponsor Operation Transformation came as a result of a 'backlash from eating disorder groups' is not correct.
"Operation Transformation has continued without the Healthy Ireland sponsorship for its current 2023 season. The many positive elements of the show, which align with the Healthy Ireland goals, continue to expand.
"During the 2022 season, there were just over 800 GAA clubs signed up for the Ireland Lights Up initiative. It is understood that this has grown to in excess of 1200 this year. This is a hugely important community initiative, which allows people to exercise in a safe environment".
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