Gym advert warned 'fatties' would be eaten by aliens

Telegraph.co.uk-- The advert was meant to encourage people to join up and lose those excess pounds put on over Christmas - but it has had the opposite effect.

The sign, which features a green alien, read: "Advance health warning! When the aliens come, they will eat the fatties first."

It then goes on to urge people to take up a special offer to join the health club and spa attached to Cadbury House hotel in Bristol.

But it prompted an angry reaction from some people in the local community, with residents saying it is offensive to those struggling with their weight.

The club, which is one of the largest independent health clubs in the UK, has two purpose-built studios along with a spa, salon and bistro. It employs a team of personal trainers and offers more than 100 fitness classes each week.

Vicky Palmer contacted the health club to complain after seeing an advert similar to the sign in a local newspaper. Mrs Palmer, who had an eating disorder as a teen, said the sign and adverts should be removed.

"I am not overweight yet I still find this extremely offensive and patronising, but how much more so to someone genuinely overweight?," she said.

Yatton councillor Tony Moulin described the sign as "tacky". Mr Moulin said: "I think this sign is insensitive, tacky and could cause offence to some people."

Manager at the health club Jason Eaton said: "The alien campaign has been developed as a tongue in cheek look at the fact that people, generally, over the Christmas period do put on a little weight.

"We do not intend to cause any offence to anyone."