I never thought I would come across something as drastic as having one’s jaw wired shut to lose weight. Yet, as I scrolled through social media, I found countless TikTok videos of Kenyan women proudly showing off their ‘slimming wires’.
The obsession with weight loss is not new, but in Kenya, it is reaching alarming heights. Social media is flooded with before and after transformation posts, and influencers promise miracle fixes that guarantee drastic weight loss in weeks.
Many women are feeling the pressure to fit into an unrealistic standard of beauty, thin, toned, and seemingly effortless.
Slimming wires is a practice that essentially locks the jaw to prevent overeating. It feels like something out of a horror story, yet here it is, trending.
Weight loss has always been a touchy subject, but lately, the pressure has intensified. Women are taking extreme measures, from fasting for dangerously long hours to taking diabetes medication like Ozempic, all in the pursuit of shedding kilos.
As I started researching this trend, I spoke to three women who had experimented with different weight loss methods, and a nutritionist who explained the science, and dangers, behind them.
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The Pressure to Be Thin: A Growing Problem
For some people, this pressure stems from personal experiences. Amina, who I interviewed, (Not her real name) told me that she gained over 10kgs while on vacation and was desperate to lose it fast.
She had earlier tried intermittent fasting and working out but realized that diet played the biggest role.
“I used to fast, but when I finally ate, I made all the wrong choices. Now I know that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise,” she explained.
Grace, on the other hand (also not her real name), decided to take things seriously in late 2024. She started with gym workouts and intermittent fasting but soon realized that dieting was key.
She now eats within an eight-hour window, avoids wheat and junk food, and walks up to 15,000 steps a day.
While she found success in consistency, she was also aware of how extreme dieting was taking over conversations about weight loss.
“I have heard about the slimming wires. People are really looking for shortcuts to lose weight,” she noted.
However, Wendy’s case is different. She is trying to fit back into a dress that makes everyone around her wonder whether she is pregnant or just too full.
She explained to me that she has not been able to endure working out and has been experimenting with different weight-loss pills and tea, which are easily accessible.
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The Rise of Jaw Wiring and Ozempic
Jaw wiring for weight loss is not a new concept. It dates back to the 1970s when doctors would wire a patient’s jaw shut to treat severe obesity.
The idea was simple, if you cannot chew, you cannot overeat. Patients were forced onto a liquid diet, resulting in rapid weight loss.
However, the practice fell out due to its side effects, which included gum disease, jaw pain, and even psychological distress.
Despite its decline in medical use, jaw wiring is making a comeback, especially in Kenya.
Unlike the medical procedures of the past, today’s “slimming wires” are done by dentists or unlicensed practitioners who attach metal braces to restrict jaw movement.
The wires allow only small amounts of food, mostly liquids, to pass through, forcing the body into a calorie deficit.
The rise of this trend on social media has made it seem like a quick fix, with dentists charging only Ksh15,000 for the procedure, but the consequences can be severe.
On the other hand, while some women are turning to mechanical restrictions like jaw wiring, others are experimenting with Ozempic, a drug initially meant for diabetes patients.
Ozempic (semaglutide) works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.
When taken, it slows down digestion and makes the user feel full for longer, leading to weight loss.
In the US, it has become a popular weight loss drug, with celebrities openly endorsing it.
However, the trend has now found its way to Kenya, with some women using the drug off-label to shed excess weight.
Studies show that Ozempic can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle loss, and, in some cases, a condition called “Ozempic face,” where rapid weight loss causes sagging skin.
Additionally, once users stop taking the drug, they often regain the lost weight, making it an unsustainable solution.
What Nutritionists Say: The Right Way to Lose Weight
Nutritionist Autine Opiyo warns that these extreme weight loss methods can be dangerous.
“Weight loss is a journey, and it is important to do it right. Jaw wiring and Ozempic may offer quick results, but they come with serious health risks,” he said.
He explains that before starting any weight loss program, a proper Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment should be done.
“We first determine if someone is truly overweight. Then, we categorize their obesity class before recommending a healthy and sustainable weight loss plan.”
A safe weight loss approach includes:
- Calculating daily calorie needs based on activity levels.
- Creating a balanced meal plan with the right portion sizes.
- Incorporating physical activity suited to an individual’s lifestyle.
According to Austine, the most concerning effect is the psychological toll.
“Many women feel pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, leading to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. The obsession with quick fixes overlooks the importance of long-term health and wellness,” he warns.
According to him, sustainable weight loss is a long-term commitment that requires a balanced diet, exercise, and patience.
The best way forward is education, helping people understand that quick fixes are not the answer, and that true wellness comes from a holistic approach.
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