- DoFasting is an app that claims to help people stay on track with intermittent fasting and, ultimately, lose weight.
- The app has come under fire on social media, with some critics saying it promotes eating disorders and self-harm.
- Intermittent fasting has recently become a dieting fad endorsed by celebrities and tech moguls.
- DoFasting did not return Business Insider's request for comment.
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An app that claims to help people stick to an intermittent fasting plan is getting roasted on social media.
Some people are saying the app, called DoFasting, is promoting eating disorders and body shaming with its advertisements that depict ideal body shapes and sizes.
Intermittent fasting, which is restricting meals to specific, limited time periods, is one of the more controversial dieting techniques out there. Though a study published in the journal Obesity found that the practice could have some positive effects, intermittent fasting can become unsafe if it is not monitored and controlled.
The diet strategy has recently become popular with some celebrities and tech moguls. Negative side effects such as hair loss, anxiety, and stress have been associated with intermittent fasting.
The DoFasting app prompts participants to enter their current and goal weights, and participants can choose from three tiers of plans that require various subscription fees. An annual subscription costs about $100 a year.
The app has recently come under fire on social media, mainly related to advertisements that some people say promote eating disorders and self-harm. DoFasting did not return Business Insider's request for comment.
Here's what critics are saying:
Some say that the app promotes eating disorders and body shaming.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1212460599080210432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Good job a prerequisite to eating disorders
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1212406235624026113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As somebody who once had an eating disorder, this is training an eating disorder. It literally screws up your thinking and endorphins and reward system. Don't do it. pic.twitter.com/Y5agwPOI0R
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1212406484119801862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I might report this ad for promoting self harm.
One promoted tweet from the company's account, which originally went out on November 7, was criticized particularly harshly.
The tweet included an image of seven women with the words, "Choose a body type."
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1192409158529609728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thinking of starting Intermittent Fasting? 🍽
Install App And Get Your Personal Fasting Plan👇
https://t.co/DXz41X2FZk
People criticized the image for lacking diversity.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1212809301426724864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Ah yes diversity, with six white ladies. Why should I expect anything different from an app which forces you to pay to not eat. I could do that for free
One user noted in a reply to the tweet that it appeared as though the only person of color in the image was also the only person with a sightly differing body type.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1193677391182417920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Your photo is six slender white women with blonde hair and one WOC who is fat. Your messaging is as dangerous as your product.
This reply was hidden by the DoFasting account.
One person even made a spoof of a similar image.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1203253810761785345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
HELL NO! pic.twitter.com/SGOgyqo711
People also criticized a December 30 tweet that categorized different belly types.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1212029237647024134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Mommy belly? That woman's body grew a human being. How about celebrating that instead of shaming!
