This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
Weight loss through fasting has become a trend in Kenya, with many people sharing their success stories on social media. However, experts warn that this diet can have serious health consequences if not done properly.
Carolyne Muturi, a Kenyan woman, lost 17kg in less than two months by following an intermittent fasting diet. She would go without food for 23 hours, surviving on water and herbal teas, and then eat high-fat and protein meals with some vegetables.
However, Henry Ng'ethe, chairperson of the Nutritionists Association of Kenya, warns that this diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting fertility and the health of breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
"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," Mr Ng'ethe says.
He also warns that women who go on the fasting diet while breastfeeding undermine their children's health, as they may not provide essential vitamins and micronutrients.
Mr Ng'ethe blames the rise of fad diets to laziness and reluctance of Kenyans to seek expert opinion from professional nutritionists before starting 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.
Ms Muturi, who initially lost weight on the fasting diet, was unable to sustain it and eventually regained the weight she had lost.
Experts advise that maintaining a healthy weight requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and discipline in eating habits.
