Abbey Sharps bites back at Jubilee and Jillian Michaels

When Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian and prominent nutrition communicator, was at home with her family, she began receiving a flood of messages from her audience. The cause was her unexpected mention in the Jubilee video, “Jillian Michaels vs 20 Body Positive Activists”. Not only was Abbey unaware of her inclusion, but she was also deeply concerned that her name and views were referenced without her knowledge or consent. In response, Abbey released a public video to clarify her stance and address the circumstances surrounding her involvement.

Abbey opened her response by addressing her position on the “Health at Every Size” (HAES) movement, which has often been a point of contention in public health debates. She was explicit in stating that while she once engaged with aspects of HAES, she no longer identifies with the movement. Abbey argued that censoring the term “obese” in media and academic settings, as was done in the Jubilee video, hinders open scientific dialogue. She emphasised that obesity is a medical condition strongly associated with adverse health outcomes, and avoiding the term does not serve the interests of public health or accurate communication.

To further clarify her perspective, Abbey referenced a previous video she produced in response to a Washington Post article titled “Nutritionists who are paid by the food industry promote processed foods as healthy”, which explored the influence of industry ties on health professionals’ recommendations. Abbey pointed out that, contrary to claims made by Jillian Michaels in the Jubilee video, she was not named in the Washington Post article. Instead, the article discussed several Canadian dietitians who were involved in collaborations with Canadian Sugar, a food industry body. Abbey expressed disappointment with colleagues mentioned in the article who failed to disclose their industry relationships, emphasising that transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and the integrity of nutrition advice. She clarified that her intention was not to promote excessive sugar consumption but to address unwarranted fear-mongering around sugar, particularly in contexts like Halloween, where moderation and evidence-based guidance are key.

Transitioning from her personal response and clarification of her own views, Abbey turned her attention to the arguments presented by Jillian Michaels in the Jubilee video. She systematically addressed five major claims made by Michaels, offering detailed critique and supporting examples to provide greater context for her audience.

• Big Food Companies’ Influence: Abbey agreed with Jillian Michaels that large food corporations profit from both “healthier” and highly processed products. However, she highlighted the complexity of the food industry, noting that consumer choices are shaped by marketing, accessibility, and social factors. She explained that the same companies who sell sugar-laden cereals also market protein ice cream, demonstrating how profits are generated on both ends of the health spectrum. Abbey argued that it is overly simplistic to blame Big Food alone for public health outcomes, as consumer behaviour and broader societal influences must also be considered.

• “Eat Less, Move More” Oversimplification: Abbey critiqued the reductionist nature of the “eat less, move more” mantra often promoted by Michaels. She cited research showing that weight management is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, hormonal regulation, mental health, socioeconomic status, and environmental triggers. For example, studies have demonstrated that individuals with similar diets and exercise routines can have vastly different weight trajectories due to underlying biological differences. Abbey advocated for personalised approaches to nutrition and weight management, which are supported by current evidence and better reflect the realities faced by individuals.

• Origins of Eating Disorders: Addressing Jillian Michaels’ assertion that eating disorders are always rooted in trauma, Abbey countered that while trauma can be a contributing factor for some, it is not universal. She referenced clinical data indicating that eating disorders have diverse origins, including genetic predispositions, societal pressures, and psychological vulnerabilities. Not all individuals with eating disorders have experienced trauma, and suggesting otherwise risks oversimplifying a nuanced mental health issue.

• Merits of the Body Positivity Movement: Abbey criticized Michaels for disregarding the positive contributions of the body positivity movement. She noted that, at its core, the movement encourages people of all sizes to engage in physical activity, make healthier food choices, and prioritise mental wellbeing. Abbey provided examples of how body positivity initiatives have reduced stigma in healthcare settings and improved self-esteem among individuals who previously felt alienated by mainstream health messaging.

• Movement Extremes: While acknowledging that fringe elements within the body positivity movement do promote unhealthy behaviours—such as excessive junk food consumption and avoidance of exercise—Abbey emphasised that these do not represent the movement’s mainstream values. She argued that it is important to distinguish between the actions of outliers and the central aims of the movement, which focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and evidence-based health promotion.

In her concluding remarks, Abbey called on her followers to report the Jubilee video for disinformation, urging both Jubilee and Jillian Michaels to issue a public apology and include a disclaimer to correct the record. She also disclosed that she had sought legal advice regarding the unauthorised use of her name and the potential misrepresentation of her views in the video. Abbey’s response highlights the critical need for transparency, accurate attribution, and accountability in health communication—principles she maintains are essential for fostering public trust and upholding professional standards in the field of nutrition.