One of Britain's biggest health clubs has been criticised for putting up a sign warning "fatties" they would be eaten first by aliens.
The advert was meant to encourage people to join up and lose those excess pounds put on over Christmas, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The sign, which features a green alien, read: "Advance health warning! When the aliens come, they will eat the fatties first."
It then goes on to urge people to take up a special offer to join the health club and spa attached to Cadbury House hotel in Bristol.
But it prompted an angry reaction from some people in the local community, with residents saying it is offensive to those struggling with their weight.
The club, one of the largest independent health clubs in the UK, has two purpose-built studios and offers more than 100 fitness classes each week.
Vicky Palmer contacted the health club to complain after seeing an advert similar to the sign in a local newspaper.
She said: "I am not overweight yet I still find this extremely offensive and patronising, but how much more so to someone genuinely overweight?"
Health club manager Jason Eaton said: "The alien campaign has been developed as a tongue in cheek look at the fact that people, generally, over the Christmas period do put on a little weight.
"We do not intend to cause any offence to anyone."
