This week, Google Maps began trialling a new feature that provided users with estimates of how many calories they could burn by walking a route – and the equivalent number of mini cupcakes this is.

But the feature has been slammed by many users, who have deemed it 'reckless' and claim it encourages fat-shaming.

Following the backlash, Google has confirmed that it will remove the calorie-estimating feature this evening.

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This week, Google Maps began trialling a new feature that provided users with estimates of how many calories they could burn by walking a route – and the equivalent number of mini cupcakes this is

THE CONTROVERSIAL FEATURE The new feature displays both the estimated time to walk to a destination and the number of calories that would be burned. Tapping on the route also reveals how many mini cupcakes the calories amount to. For example, MailOnline tested the feature based on the route from our offices to the Science Museum. The app estimates that it will take 19 minutes to walk there, in which time we would burn off 86 calories – the equivalent of one mini cupcake. Advertisement

The experimental feature was rolled out to some iOS users this week.

When users input their chosen destination, the Google Maps app offers various types of transport, including driving, public transport, walking or getting a taxi.

And with the new feature, along with the estimated time to walk to a destination is the number of calories that would be burned.

Tapping on the route also reveals how many mini cupcakes the calories amount to.

For example, MailOnline tested the feature based on the route from our London offices to the Science Museum.

The app estimates that it will take 19 minutes to walk there, in which time we would burn off 86 calories – the equivalent of one mini cupcake.

Anne Richard tweeted: 'I truly can't wrap my head around how thoughtless and reckless this is as an automatic feature! Especially with no intuitive way to opt out'

While some people welcomed this exercise incentive, others have criticised the unsolicited health advice.

Some people pointed out that the number of calories burned will vary depending on height and weight, while others were furious that there was no obvious way to opt-out.

Anne Richard tweeted: 'I truly can't wrap my head around how thoughtless and reckless this is as an automatic feature! Especially with no intuitive way to opt out.'

Khushb Shah shared a screenshot of the cupcake counter, along with the caption: 'Thank you for shaming me for my mini cupcake consumption Google Maps!'

Megan Westgate tweeted: 'Anyone else feel like the Google Maps mini cupcake feature reinforces the idea that all exercise must be atonement for the sin of eating?'

And Megan Westgate added: 'Anyone else feel like the Google Maps mini cupcake feature reinforces the idea that all exercise must be atonement for the sin of eating?'

Following the backlash, Google has taken the decision to remove the feature.

A Google rep told TechCrunch that the decision was 'based on strong user feedback' and starting this evening, the feature will no longer appear in Google Maps for iOS.