Fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow has cautioned women against the pitfalls of restrictive eating, suggesting that drastically cutting calories may hinder rather than help them achieve their desired physique. In a recent TikTok video, Hembrow, a mother of three, encouraged her audience to shift their focus from pursuing extreme thinness to cultivating a strong and healthy body.
'Here is why you restricting your calories and your diet may be what's stopping you from seeing the results that you want,' Hembrow stated. She explained that the common belief among women that reducing food intake and increasing cardio is the key to a toned appearance is often counterproductive. Instead, Hembrow emphasized that building muscle, which contributes to a sculpted look, requires adequate nutrition.
'To build muscle, one, you need to be eating enough. You need to be eating enough to recover properly,' she said. 'You need to be eating enough to be able to put in energy into your workouts. Otherwise, if you're not getting enough calories, if you're not getting enough nutrients, your workouts are going to suck. You're not going to be building any muscle.'
Hembrow warned that while restrictive diets might lead to initial weight loss, they can result in long-term issues such as exhaustion, intense cravings, and binge eating. She highlighted the importance of this message for young women navigating the pressures of online beauty standards. "The goal should be to build a strong, healthy body that burns energy well, that performs well, that feels good," Hembrow added. "Trust me, I want you guys to be feeling and looking good, so let's not restrict our bodies and let's actually fuel them."
In addition to her fitness advice, Hembrow is the founder of the TammyFit app, which offers exercise and diet planning. However, other business ventures have faced challenges. Her activewear company, Saski Collection, closed in December, and her supplement brand, Selfish, launched in April 2025 with her sisters, appears to be experiencing low engagement. Posts on the brand's Instagram account have ceased since April 11, with previous uploads garnering minimal comments despite a significant follower count.