Kenyans ‘burning’ millions on unusual routines to get size 8

Doctor taking measures of overweight mid-adult woman  PHOTO; COURTESY

Kenya: Imagine living with an inflated balloon in your stomach to regulate how much you eat. Or having your stomach stapled because you are unable to control your eating habits. Desperate to cut weight and have slender bodies, this is what some Kenyans have resorted to.

In another procedure described by doctors this week, a “bypass” is created in the stomach to prevent food from being absorbed in the small intestines. Those interested are paying between Sh300,000 and Sh600,000 for the quick-fix procedures which, according to doctors, have gained popularity amid fashion trends glorifying thin bodies. However, obesity, too, is a serious concern.