Holly Willoughby's spokesperson condemns advert using her image to advertise diet products

Holly Willoughby's team have hit out at a marketing campaign which used images of her to advertise diet pills – without her permission.

Holly, 36, who has consistently refused to comment on any diet or exercise regimes so as not to encourage unhealthy habits, has not addressed the issue herself, but a representative has released a statement about the usage of the images on her behalf.

The brand in question, ULTRAPur Wild Raspberry Ketone, has used an old picture of Holly in a bikini, holding a beach ball, to promote the weight loss product.

'Holly Willoughby Weight Loss: How Raspberry Ketone Gave Her A Bikini Body,' the headline declares.

'The "This Morning" hostess showcased her new bikini body in a photo that impressed both the media and her fan base, and revealed a more shocking weight loss transformation than anyone had anticipated.'

But Holly's spokesperson has publicly condemned the ad, confirming to The Mirror: 'We're aware of a number of scam websites using images of Holly, along with other celebrities, to sell weight loss products and are liaising with our lawyers about possible legal action.'

Fans began to speculate about Holly's weight loss earlier this year, when many of her Instagram followers began commenting on her images to remark on her seemingly slimmer figure.

Some of her 2.6 million followers suggested that the star was becoming 'too skinny' in their view, although many others jumped to her defence and argued that she was 'looking fantastic'.

In September, Holly spoke to The Sun's Fabulous magazine about the conversation around her weight, explaining why she hadn't been more vocal on the subject herself.

'I think people will always discuss it, and it's exactly why I just won't' Holly told the magazine. 'I've sat across from parents who have lost children from [eating disorders] and I don't want to be a part of it.'

'Body image is such a dull subject when there is so much more to talk about. As long as you're happy and you're healthy, move on.'