Dr Alex George has been forced to speak out after being fat-shamed by a troll online, who called him ‘top heavy’.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the former Love Island star shared with his 2 million followers a comment that was left under a recent video of his on YouTube.
In the YouTube video, Alex showed viewers around his new Dr Alex HQ office which he is currently in the process of decorating.
He can be seen wearing a loose khaki short-sleeve shirt, black jeans and trainers, but his appearance prompted a viewer to leave a nasty comment.
‘Has he put on a load of weight (or) is it just the shirt too big. Looking top heavy,’ read the now-deleted comment.
Addressing these worlds Alex said in the caption to his Instagram post: ‘This was a comment on my latest YouTube video. I never usually give a moment’s notice to negativity, but this one made me stop and think.
‘Fat shaming towards men is something that’s often brushed aside as a joke or “lads banter”. It really isn’t. The impact that it can have on a person’s mental health can be devastating.’
He continued: ‘Commenting on someone’s weight, whether you think you are being constructive or even complimentary, perpetuates the cycle of weight stigma and unhealthy relationships with our bodies.
‘No one has the right to comment on your size. No one.’
Some of Alex’s celebrity friends took to the comments to express their support with Lorraine Kelly writing: ‘You are gorgeous.’
Meanwhile, former Love Island winner Greg O’Shea added a raised hands emoji.
Alex’s fans also rallied with plenty of support, with one writing: ‘What is wrong with people??? Well said – such thoughtless comments can have a devastating effect on others, especially young people. Thank you for calling it out so bravely.’
‘Say it louder for the people at the back’ and ‘Well said Alex’ a further two comments read.
This is not the first time that Alex has asked fans to be kind when commenting on people’s appearance.
Earlier this summer, during the latest season of Love Island, viewers compared Hugo Hammond to Alex, which prompted the doctor to remind his followers to spread kindness on social media, ‘particularly when it comes to body image’.
Sharing a photo of himself in the sea, he wrote: ‘Don’t panic this photo isn’t a sign that I am going back on the island… I just wanted to post a gentle reminder to be kind online. Particularly when it comes to body image and appearance.’
‘I am proud of how I look in the photo above. I am happy and healthy,’ he added. ‘Let’s celebrate ALL body shapes and sizes.’
The doctor emphasised that it’s important to remember that while the contestants are on the show, their loved ones may read the messages directed at them.
‘Importantly, so can your friends and family who might relate to that person on your screen,’ he added.
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