As the BBL era wanes and the skinny aesthetic once again gains popularity, the pursuit of rapid weight loss solutions has reached a fever pitch, but the consequences are just as dire.
We’ve all seen the familiar narrative: a celebrity or influencer shares their jaw-dropping weight loss transformation, complete with dramatic before-and-after photos and a glowing endorsement of the latest diet plan or weight loss program promising to replicate the same results for willing participants.
At first glance, this may seem like a valid entrepreneurial venture. However, the consequences of unqualified individuals profiting off weight loss advice are far-reaching and potentially devastating. A recent viral tweet highlighted a woman’s weight loss journey, but a shocking revelation caught my attention: After losing weight due to heartbreak, she built a business selling weight loss advice and products to those looking to lose pounds.
My homie lost so much weight as a result of an heartbreak. She posted the before and after picture on TikTok. People starting requesting for what she used.
Long story short, she opened a group, charged 5k per person and started selling weight loss ideas.
She made money!!! https://t.co/ZWpxirjSxZ
— Olufunmi
(@HRM_Olufunmi) March 31, 2025
The weight loss industry preys on vulnerability
Weight loss influencers and entrepreneurs often target people at their most vulnerable, exploiting deep-seated insecurities and body dissatisfaction. By leveraging their supposed “success stories,” they gain the trust of many women who may be desperate for a quick fix or magic solution for weight loss.
The widespread pursuit of a leaner body is often met with “miracle” weight loss teas, diets, and programs. These have created a false narrative that shedding pounds can be easy, effortless, and instantaneous. Nothing could be further from the truth. Healthline explains that healthy weight loss takes time, discipline, and commitment, regardless of the methods applied. Whether by healthy dieting or exercising, only 0.5-2 pound loss per week is regarded as healthy.
Behind the glossy ads and celebrity endorsements, many weight loss products are created by unqualified individuals with no nutrition, physiology, or behavioural psychology expertise.
The dangers of unverified weight loss products
Nigeria’s Health and Wellness coaching market is a behemoth, with estimated annual revenues projected to reach $64.27 million in 2025. The use of fitness apps, sale of unverified supplements, fad diets, and dubious programs that promise rapid weight loss all fuel this staggering figure. The proliferation of these services and products can have devastating consequences, including physical harm, mental health concerns, and financial exploitation.
Without proper training or expertise, these entrepreneurs and businesses promote unhealthy habits, distributing unproven products and fostering unrealistic expectations. They encourage restrictive eating, excessive exercise, and other damaging behaviours that can lead to disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and other mental health issues. Their products often include supplements, teas, and other weight loss products that have no proven scientific basis. Some have even been linked to serious health risks.
I wanted to get fast action weightloss, so I went to buy weight loss package from this popular brand on tiktok.
I took it just once .. and my people, I SHAT so much that I felt I was going to die. Felt like my intestines were ripping out.! Please leave weightloss products oo
— Miriam Ogbonna (@miriamogb) March 31, 2025
A cursory glance at online reviews also reveals countless testimonies from individuals who’ve fallen prey to these weight loss products, only to discover that they induce laxative effects rather than actual fat loss. The regret and disappointment are palpable, with many buyers sharing their frustrating experiences.
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) revealed that these unverified weight loss products can contain untested ingredients, such as sibutramine and ephedrine, which are appetite suppressants. These substances can lead to a range of health problems, from mild side effects like nausea and headaches to life-threatening conditions like liver damage and heart problems.
The constant bombardment of these products and unattainable weight loss goals can also exacerbate body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Desperate individuals may also spend thousands of dollars on unproven products and programs, draining their bank accounts and perpetuating a cycle of debt.
Finding an end to the dangerous trend
It’s time to hold weight loss influencers, entrepreneurs and businesses accountable for their actions. Recommending weight loss services and products must only be done by qualified healthcare and nutrition professionals with certification from reputable health organisations.
Most importantly, we must also promote body positivity and foster a culture that celebrates diversity, self-acceptance, and self-love rather than perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards.
