‘Celebrity Overhaul’ may be bad for the health of TV viewers, according an expert who has helped introduce the 10,000 Steps program to Australia.

Dr Kerry Mummery, a Professor of Physical Activity and Health Promotion from Central Queensland University, said he was concerned that the TV program was advocating a severe approach to dietary restriction and extreme exercise.

“This is not likely to be sustainable for most people,” he said.

“From a 10,000 Steps perspective, we say that minor changes to caloric intake combined with increased physical activity over the long term will be most beneficial as the goal is lifestyle change.

“Extreme regimes as presented on the TV show ‘Celebrity Overhaul’ will likely only work for a few people, and only for a small period of time. If the overall behaviours are not modified the participants will, in the long term, revert back to the weight that they began at, and may be more reluctant to attempt another weight loss cycle.”.

The Queensland-based 10,000 Steps program now has tens of thousands of adherents throughout Australia.