Body goals: Kenyan celebrities who have embraced medical weight loss solutions
A new trend is emerging in Kenya’s vibrant entertainment scene, as celebrities turn to medical interventions for weight loss.
From non-invasive procedures like gastric balloons to medications such as Ozempic, these public figures are embracing modern solutions to transform their bodies and inspire their followers.
Their openness about these journeys is reshaping conversations around body image and wellness in the country’s entertainment industry.
Here are some Kenyan celebrities who have openly shared their weight loss journeys and the medical procedures they used.
Ozempic
Ozempic, initially developed for type 2 diabetes to regulate blood sugar levels, however, it has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits, with a section of Kenyan celebrities embracing it to shed pounds.
1. Kevin Kinuthia
The cross-dressed social media influencer recently shared his weight loss journey using Ozempic shots, years after he underwent the gastric balloon procedure, costing him up to Ksh500,000 in 2022.
Taking to his official Instagram account on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Kinuthia shared that he was initially weighing 148 kilograms, but after just one week of being injected with Ozempic, he had dropped to 143 kilograms.
“This is a living testimony, my people; my body is about to transform. Losing 5 kgs in 7 days is such a big flex. I am in week 2 of my Ozempic shots and am loving my new body look. I started at 148 kgs, not at 143 kgs. I can not wait to see my body goals. Bikinis, here I come,” he wrote.
2. Pritty Vishy
Purity Vishenwa, alias Pritty Vishy, has been open about her weight loss journey. Speaking candidly during a live TV interview, the content creator revealed that she had lost 41 kilograms over several months of using Ozempic.
She said that after struggling to lose weight through exercise, she turned to the injection as a last resort.
“I tried working out in the gym, but I felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t lose weight. So I opted for Ozempic. I was injected, and I was told I would experience some side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and a lack of appetite. Only one worked. I eat too much. When I was injected with the Ozempic, I didn’t eat that much,” she explained.
3. Sandra Dacha
The multitalented actress recently documented her weight loss journey with Ozempic shots, sharing updates on social media channels.
In a candid post, Sandra disclosed that she began using Ozempic shots following this health scare. In October 2023, during her hospital visit, a nurse privately advised her to consider weight loss, noting that she had reached a stage termed “greater morbid obesity”.
“Started my weight loss Ozempic journey in August last year (2024)…this is my fourth month, and I am loving it. I was at 152 kgs, and today I am at 135 kgs. Losing 1 kilo a week!!! I have a long way to go. Patience is key. I want to go back to my usual kgs…115,123 hapo,” she shared.
Gastric Bypass surgeries
It is a surgical process used to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach, leaving out a much larger part. The procedure can provide long-term weight loss.
4. Willis Raburu
The media personality underwent gastric bypass surgery after reaching a weight of 164 kilograms.
Speaking during an interview in 2024, Willis revealed he was forced to undergo weight loss surgery for the sake of his health since going to the gym did not work out for him, adding that after the procedure, he found out that he had a life-threatening underlying condition.
“I had the surgery sometime in May, and I was told ningengoja in December because we were not sure if I could have made it because of the cholesterol fat pressure level; they also told me the problem seems to have been there for one and a half or two years. When you look back, it’s because I did the surgery in 2022,” Willis disclosed.
5. Big Ted
The former State House Director of Brand Strategy, Thomas Kwaka, popularly known as Big Ted, underwent gastric bypass surgery in India, reducing his weight from 256 kilograms to 104 kilograms.
On March 16, 2023, he shared his transformative journey in a YouTube interview, highlighting the significant lifestyle changes and health benefits he has experienced post-surgery.
“I am a big boy. I’m six foot four, and I was 256 kgs. I underwent a procedure which has helped me lose 5 kgs in 4 days. My ideal weight is 90 kg, and I’m working towards the 90Kgs through healthy living, a healthy lifestyle, and a very well-calculated thought process of what I’m consuming. I am on the way to being a healthy guy,” he disclosed.
Gastric Balloon Procedures
Some celebrities have opted for the non-invasive gastric balloon procedure, which involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach to promote a feeling of fullness.
6. Maureen Waititu
The digital content creator and influencer underwent the procedure after struggling with weight gain, asthma, and back pain.
Maureen, after the procedure in 2023, disclosed that she had lost over 22 kilograms in four months and emphasised the importance of discipline post-procedure.
“I am sure people who have always known me from way before have always seen me as this fit girl with a slim figure, until, like, 2 years ago. Something happened to my weight. I ended up adding so much weight that I gained over 30 kgs, and I did a procedure about 5 months ago, that is October 31st at Nairobi Bariatric. Since then, I have lost over 20kgs, and I still have about 10 more to go,” she said.
7. Kate Actress
In May 2022, Catherine Kamau, alias Kate actress, revealed she underwent the gastric balloon procedure, costing approximately Ksh300,000, to address her weight concerns after gym efforts proved ineffective.
The thespian also noted that a gastric balloon procedure is not a quick fix, with hard work and dieting still required.
“The first 3 days were a bit uncomfortable; this is because the body was fighting the foreign substance (gastric Balloon) in my body… It is a normal reaction. @nairobi bariatric had me on a hydration drip for 3 days and medication to ease the discomfort,” she said.
8. Jackie Matubia
The actress and content creator chose the Allurion gastric balloon procedure, aiming to reduce her weight to 75 kilograms within four months.
Speaking on her YouTube channel in December 2023, the actress said the procedure cost her Ksh500,000.
“This was last Thursday when I went in for my Allurion gastric balloon. I was so scared, but it was not that bad. And just like that, it was done. However, after this, you have 3 days of feeling nauseated and a little bit of vomiting. Most importantly, hydrate, hydrate! Especially through IV!” she disclosed.
Gastric sleeve
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity and leading to food intake restriction
It’s designed for individuals struggling with obesity who have not found success through traditional methods like diet and exercise.
9. Risper Faith
The former reality TV star in 2024 revealed that she had lost 33 kilograms in five months following gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure that restricts food intake by reducing stomach size.
“33 kilos down in 5 months, gastric sleeve surgery restricts your food intake, which leads to weight loss. You may lose from 50 to 90 pounds. It’s done as a laparoscopic surgery, with small incisions in the upper abdomen. Most of the left part of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is then a narrow tube called a sleeve,” she disclosed.
As more public figures share their experiences, it is evident that medical interventions are becoming an accepted and accessible means for individuals to achieve their body goals.
