This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
Weight loss through fasting has become a trend in Kenya, with many people, especially women, sharing their success stories on social media.
Carolyne Muturi, who tried the diet last year, lost 17kg in less than two months, going from 99kg to 82kg.
However, experts warn that fasting diets can have serious health consequences, especially if not done under proper guidance from a nutritionist.
Henry Ng'ethe, chairperson of the Nutritionists Association of Kenya, says that fasting diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting fertility and the health of breastfeeding mothers and their children.
"Our bodies convert fats and proteins from the food we eat into hormones. You might want to conceive in the future and you find that there are some challenges, because the micronutrients needed for the process are not available," he says.
Mr Ng'ethe also warns that fasting diets can undermine the health of breastfeeding mothers and their children, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
"Mothers give their children what they eat through breastfeeding. If they are fasting, then the body starts breaking down fat which is used as energy. This fat is what goes to the child. Where will the children get the micronutrients?" he asks.
He blames the rise of fad diets to laziness and reluctance of Kenyans to seek expert opinion from professional nutritionists before they start on their weight-loss journey.
"Intermittent fasting is not the easiest way to lose weight. A nutritionist can draw up a plan and add a little bit of exercise and that can solve your problems," he says.
Mr Ng'ethe admits that some studies have shown that fasting helps in some cases, but warns that it should only be done under the guidance of a nutritionist.
"If fasting has to be done, it has to be under the guidance of a nutritionist. That way, even if someone is taking only one or two meals a day, we can ensure that the daily dietary allowance is met," he said.
Ms Muturi, who initially lost weight on the fasting diet, was unable to sustain it and eventually regained the weight she had lost.
Mr Ng'ethe advises that to maintain healthy weight, people should aim to eat plenty of vegetables, moderate amounts of food, avoid sugary beverages, exercise, and be disciplined in their eating.
