Tim Noakes does not mind a little limelight, something that has become obvious given his headline-grabbing and controversial health tips over the past few years.

Most recently we have seen both his baby health tips (HERE) and the conflict of interest carb-bashing editorial (HERE) come under fire from critics. Now it seems he is once again in hot water after an article he has written for the British Journal of Sports Medicine, together with British cardiologist Aseem Malhotra, has been criticised as ‘headline-grabbing’ and flawed. TimesLive reports:

The piece was titled “It is time to bust the myth of physical inactivity and obesity: you cannot outrun a bad diet”.

But some medical experts took on Noakes and his colleagues, describing their opinions as “not reflective” of current science…

[Scottish surgeon Nathan] Stephens said: “Whilst the sentiment of the article was perhaps well placed, the desire for a headline-grabbing title and catch phrase seems to have taken precedence over clear and honest content. A better title would have been ‘Three individuals are disgruntled with the marketing campaigns of soft drinks companies’, but of course this would not have picked up much media attention.”

That last soft drink comment stems from the article’s heavily critical stance against their marketing campaigns and the idea that exercise can counter the high sugar content. It is unclear as to who the third individual is alluded to by Stephens.

It gets worse for Noakes, however, as five UK doctors and three professors have signed a letter that carries a stronger condemnation:

“The editorial was written to be provocative, but we are concerned about the potential damage that can be done by publishing misleading and extreme opinions on issues of important public concern.”

They say “the suggestion that physical activity cannot cause weight loss” is not based on current science and suggest some reading homework for Noakes.

Then our critics will really have something to complain about.