London Mayor Sadiq Khan has banned all adverts which portray "an unhealthy body image"

High alert, adgrunts, the Mayor of London has just banned certain types of ads in the London Underground. What kind? The kind with women in them like Protein World's "Beach body ready" billboard. Now, banning billboards with scantly clad women in them isn't new, Pakistans' largest city did it back n 2003. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As the father of two teenage girls, I am extremely concerned about this kind of advertising which can demean people, particularly women, and make them ashamed of their bodies. It is high time it came to an end.

“Nobody should feel pressurised, while they travel on the Tube or bus, into unrealistic expectations surrounding their bodies and I want to send a clear message to the advertising industry about this.”

Dove
The Protein World ad spawned many spoof campaigns as retorts, including this one from Dove

Khan, has told Transport for London to stop running body-shaming ads amid concerns that the advertising “can demean people, particularly women”. 

Khan today also announced a new "advertising steering group" which will work with advertisers to ensure their future ads are "fit for London."

The new group will be made up of people who "reflect the full diversity of London" and will meet with major advertisers on a regular basis.

"Advertising on our network is unlike TV, online and print media," Graeme Craig, TfL Commercial Development Director said.

"Our customers cannot simply switch off or turn a page if an advertisement offends or upsets them and we have a duty to ensure the copy we carry reflects that unique environment. We want to encourage great advertising that engages people and enhances the transport network."

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