While many have claimed to be offended over the adverts for the weight loss supplements, which feature a toned woman in a yellow bikini, Maria insists it’s ‘skinny shaming’.
Taking to Twitter, the former TOWIE star questioned: “Why are protein companies getting slated for advertising with FIT looking models?
“These companies are promoting a healthy lifestyle, not starvation tactics. There’s never been so many mainstream ways of getting fit & healthy with fitness programmes.
“These companies promote exercise alongside protein powders. People should try it before they start vandalising advertisements.”
Maria, 28, then suggested the situation should be turned around and people should ‘shame’ plus-sized clothing averts.
She fumed: “So how about people start fat shamming on adverts for ‘plus size’ clothing companies. Disgraceful.”
Business owner Maria then insisted there is nothing wrong with wanting to be in shape.
But the Protein World campaign has attracted so much attention that, as well as the adverts on the London Underground being vandalised, there’s a petition in place to have them removed altogether.
There is also a protest planned to take place in London’s Hyde Park at the weekend.
The Facebook page for the demonstration posted the message: “Do you look like the model on the poster? Awesome, step this way, gorgeous! Are you a size 24? Come on down, beautiful! Are you a guy? Get those swimming shorts out.
“Protein World is directly targeting individuals, aiming to make them feel physically inferior to the unrealistic body image of the bronzed model, in order to sell their product.”