Ann Mbene Challenges Weight Loss Stigma in Nigeria

Ann Mbene, founder of Nigeria’s weight loss clinic HueBeautyGlam, is challenging the stigma surrounding weight loss medications in Nigeria. She highlights that many Nigerians use weight loss injections privately due to cultural shame, which can lead to unsafe practices and counterfeit products.

Mbene states that the stigma is a public health issue, pushing individuals toward unregulated vendors for medications like Mounjaro and Tizaro. She emphasizes that weight loss should not be viewed solely as a matter of willpower but as a legitimate health intervention.

Mbene shares her personal experience of losing weight from 85kg to 60kg under medical supervision with Mounjaro, which she describes as a scientifically-backed medication that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. She warns that misconceptions about weight loss medications can deter individuals from seeking professional help, leading to a rise in counterfeit products in the market.

Mbene calls for a shift in conversation to support those facing weight challenges.