BY RITA OYIBOKA
One hallmark of the festive season is the abundance of food for those who can afford it. From Jollof rice to pounded yam, an array of snacks, decadent desserts, and refreshing drinks, food becomes the centrepiece of celebration, symbolising joy, togetherness, and indulgence.
However, while it’s a time to enjoy and savour meals, it’s also easy to overeat and pack on extra pounds. This seasonal reminder of our relationship with food often propels weight to the forefront of discussions, whether it’s about losing or gaining it.
The global obsession with weight management is palpable. In 2023, the United States’ weight loss and weight management market was valued at $190.35 billion and is projected to almost double by 2032.
This phenomenon isn’t confined to the Western world. In Nigeria, the health and fitness market is growing rapidly. The projected total revenue in Nigeria’s health and fitness market was expected to reach $2.88 million in 2022, with further growth by 2025. This upward trajectory is fuelled by gyms, fit-ness influencers, and a collective pursuit of aesthetic ideals.
Why Weight Matters
For some, weight loss or gain is about health. Others pursue it for aesthetics, societal acceptance, or to align with perceived standards of beauty. Motivations differ widely, and fad diets or quick fixes often tempt those seeking confidence or societal validation.
According to a 28-year-old hairdresser, Amaka, “I wanted to gain weight because I felt too skinny. I used a product called Dynewell. I took it every morning and evening, but I noticed no change. It left me bloated instead, and sometimes I had dysentery.”
On the flip side, the global obsession with shedding pounds is undeniable. Social media platforms are rife with “before and after” transformations, fuelling the desire for quick fixes.
For Mr. Daisi Akirinbola, a user of weight gain products, “I used Dynewell during my weight gain pro-cess. There are two versions: a general one and one specifically for women. It helped me eat more, which is why I used it. When I wasn’t eating much before, it made food taste better, and it also in-creased my appetite. But it made me feel sleepy, weak, and extremely hungry. That’s the main reason I think it works well for weight gain. But the weight gain isn’t permanent, you have to rely on it. I did try Cypri Gold once, but it made me feel very weak.”
However, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warns against such methods, highlighting the dangerous consequences.
The Dangers of Quick Fixes
NAFDAC has recently sounded the alarm on several weight management products, revealing a disturb-ing trend: many of them contain harmful substances.
Take, for example, the Weight Rapid Loss Capsules, which have been linked to cancer due to the pres-ence of phenolphthalein, a substance that’s been banned for good reason. Other offenders include Lemo Detox slimming sachets, which boast ingredients like sibutramine and sennosides, both known to potentially trigger heart attacks, strokes, and digestive issues.
But it’s not just NAFDAC waving the red flag; the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) have also cautioned against these products, which they discovered harbor banned me-dicinal substances.
NAFDAC’s statement highlighted the dangers, noting that while sennosides can be an effective reme-dy for diarrhea, their use as a food ingredient has been outlawed due to side effects like stomach-aches, vomiting, and, with excessive consumption, chronic constipation and intestinal disorders.
And here’s where it gets even more concerning: the weight management frenzy isn’t limited to adults. In 2023, a TikTok user sparked outrage by promoting a weight-gain pap for babies, raising widespread alarm among parents and health experts alike. This so-called “organic” solution intended to help in-fants gain weight drew the ire of many on X.com (formerly Twitter), who questioned the safety and efficacy of such products.
Among those voicing concerns was popular Nigerian health influencer Dr. Chinonso Egemba, better known as Aproko Doctor. He took to social media, urging NAFDAC to intervene, stating, “Dear #NAFDACAgency, I’m guessing this is within your purview. No one knows what is inside that pap. Also, this is setting these babies up for damage.”
In the same year, NAFDAC again raised the alarm, this time about the Weight Rapid Loss Capsules, re-iterating the cancer risks associated with their use.
NAFDAC’s chief, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, noted that the capsules, marketed as “the most effective weight loss supplement” and peddled through social media platforms like Instagram, also harbored microbial growth levels exceeding permissible limits.
As the risks continue to mount, it’s clear that the race for quick weight management solutions can have dire consequences, especially when safety takes a backseat to marketing hype.
Some Parents Insist Chubby Equals Healthy In Kids —Opene
Speaking with The Pointer, public health expert, Dr. Rita Opene advocates natural methods for weight management. “Weight gain and loss goals can be achieved naturally. Relying on drugs is unnecessary and risky. It’s about discipline reducing meal portions and exercising. Many people take weight loss drugs but continue unhealthy eating habits, which doesn’t work. Natural methods are safer and more effective.”
She also highlights the issue of childhood obesity: “Children today consume too many unhealthy snacks and lead sedentary lives. Some parents mistakenly believe that a chubby child is a healthy child, leading to overfeeding. This lifestyle is a breeding ground for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).”
The Role of the Media
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping weight-related narratives. From Instagram influencers pro-moting “magic” weight loss teas to TikTok trends glorifying rapid transformations, these platforms am-plify unrealistic standards.
“Social media makes it seem like everyone has the perfect body,” laments Ogor Anamali, a 24-year-old fitness enthusiast. “It creates pressure, especially for young people. Many of the bodies we see online are photoshopped or surgically enhanced. People come to the gym and, within two weeks, expect a ‘banging’ body. Health is the last thing on their mind.”
Healthy, Sustainable Solutions
Dr Opene advises, “Weight goals should be approached naturally. Discipline, portion control, and regu-lar exercise are key. Eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce carbohydrate intake, and limit carbonated drinks. Physical activity is non-negotiable, walk, jog, or even dance. Small changes can make a big dif-ference.”
Her advice extends to parents, urging them to shape healthier habits for their children.
The Mental Aspect
Weight management isn’t just a physical journey, it’s a mental one. The pressure to conform to socie-tal ideals can lead to unhealthy practices, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.
For 18-year-old undergraduate, Praise Emegha, “I have always felt the pressure to loss weight espe-cially from my mother and it affected my relationship with food for a long time. However, I began my weight loss journey one month ago, and I must say, I’m enjoying it. Since starting, I’ve reduced my meals from three times a day to two, and sometimes even once a day. After doing this for a month, I’ve found that I can no longer eat as I used to.
“I’ve thought about using Slimming Tea, but I’ve heard it causes severe purging, sometimes to the point of passing blood. That scares me, so I’ve decided to stay away from it. My goal is to look at my-self in the mirror and feel completely satisfied with my body. That’s my motivation,” she said.
Dr Opene stresses the importance of regular health check-ups and self-monitoring: “Track your weight, monitor salt and sugar intake, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. It’s about balance, not extremes.”
The Bigger Picture
Weight management is more than a personal journey, it’s a societal issue. From media influence to unregulated products, there’s a need for collective responsibility. Regulatory bodies like NAFDAC must remain vigilant, while individuals must educate themselves about safe practices.
As we navigate the festive season and beyond, let’s remember that health is wealth. Whether shed-ding pounds or gaining them, prioritise methods that nourish your body and mind. After all, the ulti-mate goal isn’t just to look good but to feel good too.
This holiday season, enjoy the Jollof rice and dessert, but do so mindfully.
And as you make your weight-related resolutions, remember: slow and steady wins the race.
