'Obesity shouldn't be promoted': PrettyLittleThing is blasted for using plus-size models in an 'unhealthy' Instagram snap to promote its bikini range (16 Pics)

Fans have jumped to the defence of PrettyLittleThing after the online retailer was criticised for using plus-size models.

The popular brand, which is based in Manchester and ships internationally, shared a picture of LA-based model Tabria Majors, 28, who is a US size 14-16 (UK 18-20) and Kayla Jane, 19, from New Jersey, wearing its latest bikinis.

And while the Instagram post received an overwhelmingly positive reaction garnering 140,000 likes from fans who praised the retailer for promoting body confidence, some followers accused the clothes giant of 'promoting obesity'.

'The unhealthiness jumped out in this pic', one claimed, as hundreds of comments flooded in. 

Fans have jumped to the defence of online retailer Pretty Little Thing, after it was criticised for using American plus size models, Tabria Majors, who is a US size 14-16 (UK 16-18), left, and Kayla Jane to model their latest bikinis in a recent Instagram post

While the Instagram post received an overwhelmingly positive reaction garnering 140,000 likes, some followers accused the clothes giant of 'promoting obesity'.

Another described the models as 'obese' while another added: 'Obesity is a serious health concern and it should not be advocated for.'

Meanwhile another defended making a critical comment, saying: 'I'm reminding them about their unhealthy diet'.

However, plenty of followers defended the models, arguing that plus-size models can also be healthy.

'You do realise that people can look skinny and still be unhealthy?' one wrote, adding: 'Some people are fit and fit, it's just the way their body is'. 

Pretty Little Thing also shared a snap of plus-size model Daisy Christina, 26, who was born in the Netherlands but now lives in New York and is signed to State Management, wearing one of their dresses last week, which was flooded with similar comments remarking on their use of plus-size models.

'The unhealthiness jumped out in this pic', one follower claimed as hundreds of comments flooded in, some accusing the retailer of 'promoting obesity'

Agreeing, one wrote: 'Not every person has an unhealthy diet or lifestyle', while many more complimented the models, with one adding: 'They are so damn beautiful!'

Showing her support for the snap, another wrote: 'They can be big but still be beautiful (which they are). Men like you just try and put women down because you know they're a 10 and you're a minus 10.'

And others praised the retailer's use of the models, with one writing: 'So beautiful. So happy more and more brands are advertising and using these models. I don't like calling them plus size. That's their body we are talking about. They are beautiful in every size and shape.' 

Others praised the retailer's use of the models, with one writing: 'So beautiful. So happy more and more brands are advertising and using these models. I don't like calling them plus size. That's their body we are talking about. They are beautiful in every size and shape.'

A spokesman for PrettyLittleThing said: 'At PrettyLittleThing we are all about celebrating body diversity and we believe everybody is beautiful. 

'We are proud to be able to offer a clothing range which caters from a size 4 to 28 and we pride ourselves on using all different body types and sizes in our campaigns.'

Tabria Majors from LA started out as an Instagram model before being signed to Natural Model Management and appearing in campaigns for Forever 21 before being maned as one of the 15 finalists for Sports Illustrated Swim Search.

Meanwhile, Kayla, from New Jersey, who is signed to Wilhelmina models, recently posted the snap on Instagram to her 46,000 followers, adding: 'In a world where we see women constantly bringing each other down, it’s that much more important to show young ladies how to uplift one another.'

However plenty of followers defended the models, arguing that plus size models can also be healthy, with one writing: 'They are gorgeous!'

Last month Ashley Graham announced she was launching a plus size line with the retailer.

Company CEO Umar Kamani said of the announcement: 'Ashley embodies female empowerment and has worked exceptionally hard with our design team on curating a Fall (autumn) collection suitable for all body types.

'At PLT we want to encourage confidence through fashion for all women.

'We have grown our PLT Plus collection over the past year and this range will cater for all sizes ranging from a size 6 to 28.

'We want everyBODY to feel amazing in Ashley's range and be body confident.' 

Last month Ashley Graham announced she was launching a plus size line with the retailer Pretty Little Thing