Kenyan celebrities are increasingly turning to gastric bypass surgery and the drug Ozempic for rapid weight loss, sparking a public debate on the risks and benefits of these methods. The pressure to maintain a certain image, fueled by social media and endorsement deals, often drives these choices among public figures.

• Gastric bypass surgery in Kenya can cost between KSh 600,000 and KSh 1.5 million, with many celebrities traveling to Dubai, Turkey, or South Africa for procedures.
• Ozempic, a non-invasive weekly injection, costs between KSh 30,000 and KSh 50,000 per month in Kenya and is sometimes sourced illegally.
• Celebrities like radio host Kamene Goro have openly discussed body image, while others such as Risper Faith and Phoina Tosha have admitted to body-enhancement procedures.
• Gastric bypass can result in 60-70% excess weight loss within two years, while Ozempic users can lose 15-20% of body weight within months.
• Risks associated with Ozempic include side effects like nausea and facial sagging (Ozempic face), dependency, and unknown long-term effects.