A new weight loss trend has taken shape in Kenya, where people are resorting to dental braces as a tool for shedding extra weight.
The practice, fueled by the societal pressure to lose weight, has raised concerns among medical experts who warn that while it may temporarily reduce food intake, consequently reducing weight, it is far from a sustainable solution.
''That method works very well because your mouth will be mostly closed, and you will be feeding on liquids. You will lose weight, but not for long,'' Brian Nyambuti, a specialised dentist, explained.
While some are using dental braces to restructure their dental formula, it will surprise you to know that others have resorted to using a special kind of dental braces-jaw wires- as part of their weight-loss journey, a trend that raises both curiosity and concern.
Speaking during a round table discussion on oral and teeth health on Citizen TV on Wednesday, doctor Nyambuti revealed that the braces are mainly used to restructure the jaw when it is broken, but it will surprise you that women, are using it to lose weight.
So, how does jaw wiring correlate to losing weight, you ask? Doctor Nyambuti explained that the wires, placed on the teeth like dental braces, are put in a shape like number eight, which makes it difficult for one to open their mouth.
Consequently, one won't be able to eat solid food, and they will be prompted to only take liquid foods that will lead them to lose weight.
"When you have these braces on, you’ll be restricted to a liquid diet. Yes, you may lose weight, but from a professional standpoint, this method is not sustainable," the doctor clarified.
"After seven or eight weeks, the braces will be removed, and once that happens, you’ll likely eat all the food you had to avoid, leading to regaining the lost weight, possibly even more," he continued.
The process will cost you between Ksh15,000 to Ksh40,000 in select private clinics, and Kenyan celebrities and social media influencers have joined the bandwagon.
Doctor Nyambuti has explained that this is just a cosmetic choice and has encouraged those following the trend to rethink and lean on more sustainable methods like dieting and exercising.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also warned of these extreme measures to lose weight. According to the WHO, if used outside its purpose of restructuring the jaw, it is dangerous.
WHO warns that without proper psychological counselling and nutritional supervision, the emotional and physical damage can run far deeper than any mirror can reveal.
