Loose Women sparked an online row about body positivity during Tuesday's edition of the ITV show.
The outspoken panelists discussed a recent viral social media post, in which a plus-sized blogger highlighted how travelling on planes can be tricky and the subsequent debate regarding if airline companies can do more to accommodate larger passengers.
Janet Street-Porter told her fellow panelists that while she accepts weight gain can be caused due to an addiction to eating, she doesn't have "an awful lot of sympathy" for those who are calling out for airlines to make "special provisions" for overweight passengers.
"I think there are various reasons why people are overweight," the journalist began when delivering her opinion on Tuesday's episode of Loose Women.
"But the fact of the matter is this country has an eating problem," she continued. "I accept that for some people is an addiction and a mental health crisis and there can be medical reasons [for being overweight]."
"But I really think if you expect airlines to make special provisions for overweight people - or these people - you're... I don't have an awful lot of sympathy for you because look at it from the point of view from the normal sized passengers - they're not getting special treatment for only occupying one seat!"
Janet went on to claim that "we have normalised being overweight" and added: "We have banned the word fat and now say large - it's almost like we're skirting around the issue."
Loose Women viewers tuned into the show at home were divided on Janet's stance on the topic - with many taking to social media to air their opinions on the matter themselves.
Kirsty Leanne - the plus-size blogger who shared the video which promoted the debate - took to her Twitter account to offer some feedback to Janet and the ITV show.
In a series of tweets, she wrote: "I’m disappointed that the topic was taken to such an important platform and turned into an excuse to fat shame, rather than an actual discussion about what airlines could do for others. Next time, feel free to contact me for comment #LooseWomen @loosewomen @ITV.
"I forgot to mention, they started the whole deferment off by making fun of my job title “plus size travel content creator."
Other viewers agreed with Kirsty's stance, with one writing: "I’m not a regular viewer of #LooseWomen but it’s amazing the amount of times I turn on and they are just plain fat shaming."
"I’m sick of this ‘fat people just eat too much’ as if it’s that simple," another began in their tweet. "Obesity is incredibly complex, it’s not as simple as telling people to eat less. There are psychological & physical reasons, it is a form of eating disorder or/& addiction. #LooseWomen."
The Mirror has contacted Loose Women for comment regarding Kirsty's tweets.
Some however agreed with Janet's comments, with one quipping: "#LooseWomen Janet, speaking sense and being bold. She's not being rude just stating facts."
Another added: "I’d understand if this woman had paid for a bigger seat/toilet etc I’d understand her grumble but most airlines seats/loos are uniform size so what did she expect??!! #LooseWomen."
*Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub
