A comedian has sparked a furious debate after criticising a Cancer Research UK advert for 'fat-shaming'.

Sofie Hagen, who is based in London, shared a picture of the campaign which reads 'OB_S_ _ Y is a cause of cancer' on Twitter, commenting: 'Right, is anyone currently working on getting this piece of s*** CancerResearchUK advert removed from everywhere?'

She later added that the advert was 'incredibly damaging', arguing that 'dieting has been proved.. to be one of the worst thing you can do to your body.'

Cancer Research has responded on Twitter saying the campaign 'isn't meant to make anyone feel bad about their weight', but aims to 'raise awareness of the link between cancer and obesity.'

Comedian Sofie Hagen, who is based in London, has sparked a furious debate after criticising a Cancer Research advert for 'fat-shaming'

The Danish comedian shared a picture of the campaign on Twitter, which reads: 'OB_S_ _ Y is a cause of cancer'

Sofie suggested the advert was 'incredibly damaging', arguing that 'dieting has been proved.. to be one of the worst thing you can do to your body'

Explaining her view, Sofie wrote online: 'What your campaign is doing is so incredibly damaging, that I can't even begin to describe it in only 280 characters.'

The Danish comedian continued: 'And you can absolutely go away in terms of trying to excuse it.

'Society viewing fatness as a negative thing is a thing that kills more than the cancer that you MIGHT get due to MAYBE something to do with you POSSIBLY weighing MORE than a CERTAIN weight POSSIBLY MAYBE.'

In another tweet, she added: 'DIETING has been proved TIME AND TIME again to be one of the worst thing you can do to your body. Your campaign is so damaging and fatshaming and I really hope it gets taken down.'

Many said they disagreed with Sofie, arguing that all cancer risks should be highlighted

However, Sofie's comments have led to a fierce debate online, with many disagreeing that the campaign should be pulled.

What's the link between obesity and cancer? The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that obesity is the most important known avoidable cause of cancer after tobacco. Experts have found there is good evidence to show that the absence of excess body fat has a cancer preventable effect for 13 different types of cancer. Many types of cancer are more common in people who are overweight or obese, research shows. This is believed to be because extra fat produces hormones and growth factors that affect the way cells work. Advertisement

One wrote: 'I don't find this offensive at all. And I'm obese. We MUST chance our lifestyle so we can avoid having serious issues in the future!'

Another added: 'Please don't change this campaign because of this. ALL different cancer risks should be highlighted so we are informed: whether it's smoking, processed meat, or anything else'.

Meanwhile, one person added: 'It's literally an advert stating a fact, it's the second biggest cause of cancer & it might offend you, but it could potentially save lives by raising awareness'.

Some people did agree with Sofie, suggesting that the advert 'shamed' people who are obese.

One wrote: 'The advert is blunt and cruel. Folk on here are acting like it really is so simple for obese people.'

Another added: 'There is a difference between informing and shaming and THIS campaign shames.'

However, some did agree with Sofie - arguing that the advert was 'blunt' and counterintuitive

Responding to the critcism, Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK's prevention expert, said: 'The aim of the charity's campaign is to raise awareness of the fact that obesity is the biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking.

'This is not about fat shaming. It is based on scientific evidence and designed to give important information to the public.

'Only 15 per cent of people are aware that obesity is a cause of cancer. Cancer Research UK has a duty to put that message in the public domain.

'In addition to raising awareness, the campaign aims to help stem the rising tide of obesity by urging the government to create a climate that makes healthier food choices easier for everyone.'

MailOnline has contacted Sofie for further comment.