Health Influencer Dragged For Claiming Shampoo Causes Weight Gain

There are plenty of reasons why people gain weight - eating junk food, not exercising, or even just genetic disposition, but one influencer has suggested another cause to her followers. Her name is Eleni Chechopoulos and the health and wellness Instagrammer claims that weight gain doesn't just happen because of issues with food or exercise - it's also about the shampoo you use.

Eleni shared a photo of herself holding a bottle of Pantene and looking concerned at the ingredients. Her caption reads:

"Is your shampoo making you gain weight? First it's calories, then it's hormones, then it's gut health... now it's my shampoo?! You count every calorie that passes your lips, but your weight won't budge... Managing your weight isn't only about calories in vs calories out! Enter obesogens. Chemicals that disrupt HOW your body creates and stores fat - found in shampoo, toothpaste, grocery store receipts, shower curtains, make-up, perfume, and so. much. more. Even though you eat healthy and exercise every day, you still might battle the scale because of your SHAMPOO."

Eleni states that mice studies have proven her claims, but the pros say otherwise. News.com.au reached out to health and fitness expert Belinda MacDougall who said, "To say shampoo is the reason we are overweight is ridiculous and while chemicals in all beauty products can be bad for our health, weight gain is far more related to what we eat."

Twitter also had a lot to say about the post:

Eleni responded to the controversy writing, "As usual when I speak about certain topics lots of hate floods in and demand for citations and studies. I don’t disagree with wanting studies, but it is not my job to serve everything on a silver platter. I suspect many don’t want studies – they want to bully and stir the pot."

She then turned her Instagram account to private.

Photo: Getty Images