The rising popularity of Ozempic, an injectable diabetes drug, for weight loss among Kenyan women is explored, highlighting both its transformative effects and potential dangers. The drug, containing semaglutide, mimics the GLP-1 hormone, suppressing hunger and creating a feeling of fullness, leading to rapid weight loss.

Caroline, a 24-year-old, openly shared her Ozempic journey on TikTok, showcasing a significant weight loss of 30 kilos. This sparked a wave of interest among Kenyan women seeking a quick fix for weight management without intense exercise. Upscale Nairobi clinics are now offering monthly packages that include consultations, tests, and weekly semaglutide injections, while some pharmacies provide the drug without requiring a diabetes diagnosis.

Caroline's experience with Ozempic was transformative as it curbed her cravings and helped her achieve a weight she had long struggled to attain through diets and exercise. However, this transformation came with its own set of pressures. The validation from fashion brands and compliments from others created an expectation to maintain the weight loss, leading to anxieties about potential weight gain.

Dr. Edward Kinuthia, a clinical officer, acknowledges the popularity of Ozempic for weight loss but cautions against its use for casual slimming. He warns about potential side effects such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. He also notes that long-term use without proper diet and exercise may lead to muscle loss, and that weight often returns when the treatment is stopped.

Dr. Nassim Nkatha, a psychologist specializing in body image, links the interest in weight-loss injections to body dysmorphia and the impact of social media on self-esteem. She explains that constant comparison to curated, unrealistic bodies online, coupled with online bullying and fat shaming, fuels insecurities. She cautions about the risks of unregulated procedures, which can lead to cardiac problems, infections, hormonal imbalances, and even death, emphasizing that true healing is internal and cannot be achieved through injections alone.

The Ozempic craze reveals uncomfortable truths about Kenya’s beauty culture and the pressure to conform to a slimmer ideal, particularly for public figures. Caroline reflects on whether people value her or just the thinner version of herself, questioning if she is contributing to unrealistic standards. While Ozempic boosted her confidence, it also highlighted the deep yearning to feel seen, wanted, and worthy. She concludes that while she doesn’t regret using Ozempic, she wishes she had been told that shrinking doesn’t always equate to healing.