By Sainabou Sambou
In The Gambia, concerns are rising over the health risks associated with body enlargement products, including pills, creams, and flat tummy teas, as highlighted by Dr. Musa Marenah, an obstetrician-gynecologist and Programme Manager for Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Marenah warns that the long-term use of these products may lead to serious health complications such as skin cancer, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, hypotension, and heart disease, urging consumers, particularly young women, to exercise caution.
He underscores the importance of awareness and caution regarding body-enhancing products, particularly their growing popularity.
Dr. Marenah emphasized that any product claiming to alter the natural body structure should be cautiously approached. He noted that many of these items contain steroids, which can be harmful and may disrupt hormonal balance in the body.
The health expert also raised concerns about the ingredients in flat tummy teas, stating that some may not be food-based and could harm users.
He explained that manufacturers often label these products as “tea” to sidestep regulatory scrutiny, obscuring the true nature of their ingredients.
Additionally, Dr. Marenah addressed the widespread use of black seed, or miracle seed, among women seeking flat tummies. He clarified that while black seed is noted for its medicinal properties, it does not provide a solution for weight loss. He referred to a saying attributed to Prophet Muhammad, which states that black seeds can cure various ailments, but not all conditions, including weight-related issues.
Dr. Marenah reinforced the message that healthcare providers advocate against using medications that could harm health. He highlighted the importance of understanding that every organ in the body has a blood supply, and any interference with this system could lead to further health complications.
Insights on Body Enlargement Products in The Gambia
Jenny, a Nigerian woman who imports body enlargement products, is not her real name, and she reports a significant demand for such items in her shop, particularly among Gambian customers. She offers a variety of products, including breast and buttock enlargement creams and pills, with prices starting from 300 dalasi for creams and 400 dalasi for pills. She claims that these products are effective and provides specific instructions on their use, stating that customers should apply the cream to their desired areas until the skin feels warm, indicating absorption.
Additionally, Jenny mentioned that she owns a machine designed for hip and buttock enlargement, priced at ten thousand dalasi.
Another customer, Jamila, shares her experience with the products. She purchased buttock enlargement cream and pills, stating that while she has yet to start the pills, she has found the cream to be effective and free of side effects. She also reminisces about her previous experience with a flat tummy pill known as Miracle Seed, which she describes as having a rapid impact, although it caused her diarrhea.
While these testimonials highlight body enlargement products’ popularity and perceived effectiveness, it is essential to approach such claims cautiously, considering their potential health risks.
Jenny noted that Miracle Seed not only aids in achieving a desired body shape but also has diarrhea, the only reported side effect.
While limited comprehensive data from major health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explicitly address body enlargement products, various health studies, and consumer protection organizations have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with these items. Many available reports focus on the safety of cosmetic products, including body-enhancing creams and pills, highlighting issues related to unregulated or harmful ingredients.
In regions such as Africa, including The Gambia, cultural ideals of beauty often influence body image perceptions, leading to a preference for larger body sizes among women. This cultural context has contributed to the popularity of body enlargement products that claim to enhance specific body parts, such as the buttocks and breasts.
Surveys conducted in some African countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, indicate that a notable percentage of women use cosmetic products, including body-enlarging pills and creams.
For instance, research in Nigeria suggests that around 15-20% of women report using skin-lightening products, which may overlap with body-enhancing products. The trend of using pills and creams to modify body size is increasing, particularly in urban populations.
