Weight loss company makes gross claims they’ll ‘help Love Island USA’s Melanie drop 15 lbs’
Melanie posted a photo eating pizza in response
A weight loss company called Start Willow is getting loads of backlash after telling Love Island USA’s Melanie they can help her lose several pounds. She just left the dating show with Sincere Rhea, which people aren’t pleased about, and now this company is chiming in.
Basically, an advert has been going round all weekend which states: “Melanie, you may not be able to drop that man, but we can help you drop 10-15lbs in 4 weeks. Call us, Start Willow.” Um, what?! And of course, Love Island USA viewers are giving the company backlash.
In response, Melanie was iconic by sharing a photo of herself eating pepperoni pizza to her Instagram Story. One person wrote, “I get it’s their brand but who in their right mind thought targeting a public figure to have weight loss would be good.. it’s extremely gross.”
Uhm this is the most disgusting marketing ad I’ve seen recently!! Why is a brand telling Melanie she needs to loose weight?? Like insane and they should apologize ns pic.twitter.com/RMSEmreSgH
— M_ttamara (@M_ttamara) August 8, 2026
When Melanie first joined the dating show, it was revealed she used to be a plus size model, which everyone was shocked about. Melanie’s cousin has spoken about her modelling career. She confirmed that yes, it is Melanie in those videos from Miami Swim Week.
She commented: “Melanie is my little cousin and I can tell you it is her!! And no Ozempic. She worked hard to get her current body!!! She wasn’t insecure when she was plus size, and she’s not insecure now. People are allowed to change, grow, and become healthier.”
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Her cousin said she shouldn’t have to justify it and said: “Her confidence didn’t come from her size, it came from knowing her worth. Melanie also told Voyage LA, “I gave up on my dream was because I had this belief I had to look perfect to get into the business.”
“I thought I needed a specific look or a specific body type. Little did I know, I was wrong. I tried for nine years to get scouted and signed, but I still truly believe I was found at the perfect time. My childhood dream finally became a reality this year when I was signed,” she said.
Reality Shrine has contacted Start Willow for comment.
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