Health
How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’

How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’
Ever imagined growing up to be obese and struggling with your weight because your mother likes chubby babies? Mrs Adetoyin, a 35-year-old mother of twins, was all smiles as she watched her two chubby babies waddling around. She believes that many mothers want chubby babies to make the point that their babies are good-looking and even called the popular nick-name “orobo” as an indication that they are well fed, hence the decision to artificially induce their babies’ foods to increase their sizes.
Adetoyin said: “This is peculiar to our society where we celebrate chubby babies! As a matter of fact many mothers do not believe a baby can be overweight or obese.
“They actually say of such babies in local dialect: “Omo yen lomi lara, pelu eke re” loosely translated as “the baby is well-endowed with chubby cheeks”.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Just like adults, babies come in various sizes and shapes. According to health practitioners, babies should ideally weigh about 2,500g or more at birth. Birth weight is a vital indicator of foetal and neonatal health.
For many babies, this is natural baby fat that will begin to shed as he or she becomes more mobile. But there is growing concern about inducing obesity among babies, which could be a precursor for being overweight or obese later in life. Every baby grows at their own rate. Keep in mind that a baby may not gain weight or grow every week.
The factors that are known to influence a baby’s weight at birth include duration of pregnancy and maternal characteristics like age, parity (the number of times a woman has given birth) and illness, as well as adverse environmental exposures.
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As a first-time mother, Mrs. Nkem relieved her experience with breastfeeding her baby, but for her, the breastfeeding process was uncomfortable. Worried that her baby might not be getting enough to eat, Mrs. Nkem decided to induce the baby’s diet with Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, not knowing it could be unhealthy for her baby’s health and nutrition.
Some local mothers use cyproheptadine known in local parlance as maa wu (get swollen) to ensure their babies are fat. The drug is not meant for that purpose yet used by many mothers because it has an “appetite-stimulating” side-effect.
Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, a first-generation antihistamine, has shown weight gain in patients as it has appetite stimulation properties. Medically, a user is required to consult a doctor and get a prescription if there’s a need to increase one’s appetite. But practitioners have advised against consuming cyproheptadine for this purpose without a prescription.
Today, the quest by many mothers to get what they describe as the near-perfect weight gain for their babies is fueling a fast-growing organic weight gain industry with medical practitioners warning that this could lead to a surge in cases of obesity in no distant future.
Obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public health concerns worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that more than 500 million adults are obese worldwide, and nearly four million individuals die annually due to high body mass index (BMI).
Excess BMI is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints), and some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon). The risk for these non-communicable diseases increases with increase in BMI.
In the 2021 Global Nutrition report, data from Nigeria shows how much progress the country has made towards achieving the global nutrition targets. Of the 13 targets, Nigeria has made ‘some progress’ in achieving four targets while the country is reported to be ‘off-course’ on seven targets.
It is estimated that 15.7% of adult women (aged 18 years and above) and 5.9% of adult men are obese. However, the prevalence of obesity in Nigeria is lower than the regional average of 20.7% for women and 9.2% for men.
Enter organic weight gain for babies
Globally, majority of overweight children are from high income countries. But some low income countries are starting to have problems with overweight. Many obese children become obese adults especially if one or both parents are obese.
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Recently, the so-called “organic” weight-gain pap for babies sparked outrage and deep concern among Nigerians, urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to probe the food product. The product, which promises miraculous weight gain for infants, has been subjected to strong scrutiny by medical practitioners who have found them harmful to babies’ nutrition and growth.
The social media blogosphere is rife with different e-vendors springing up and offering all kinds of services including ‘organic’ skin lightening options for babies, weight gain for babies and many others
To many of these organic weight gain makers, it does not matter the ingredients of the food or pap, they already have an army of prospective customers who are easily swayed by pictures and visuals of before and after moments of alleged patrons of their products.
But investigations revealed that while some of these products give immediate solution to the weight problems their clients may have, they sometimes do more harm than good in the long run.
These sellers post babies weight transformation on their social media handles including Instagram and TikTok, prompting their fans to enquire about the products they applied and thus pushing many of such fans into the hands of these online organic weight gain makers. The experience has left many of them with regrets.
The term “organic” refers to how certain foods are produced. Recent epidemiological studies have explored the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity. Nutritionally, organic induced meals significantly impact on one’s growth and health.
Pap, also widely known as akamu, is a traditional West African food made from fermented grains. It is a staple in many cultures, valued for its versatility and nutritional benefits. It is similar to porridge and can be made from various grains like corn, millet, or sorghum.
Pap is particularly beneficial for nursing mothers and babies. It is believed to aid in breast milk production and provides a digestible food source for infants.
While it is beneficial, mothers are usually advised to always consult with their pediatricians before introducing new foods to their baby’s diet, especially when adding any other supplements, to which some children may be allergic. The primary concern is the overall nutritional balance of a baby’s diet.
How the product which is marketed as an “organic” solution to help babies gain weight bypassed NAFDAC’s certification remains a mystery to many Nigerians who have called for prompt action.
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Just like there are problems and diseases associated with under-nutrition or the typical malnutrition, there are problems and diseases the over-nourished/overweight children also have to deal with as the paediatric endocrinologists have unravelled. These overweight and obese children are prone to hypertension and diabetes even from childhood.
Mrs. Shakirah queried: “Ever wondered why there is an obsession with chubby babies? There is this issue of unnecessary worry by mothers because their babies are “not gaining weight” “looking lean” “skinny” “not chubby” “not fat enough” “always dropping (weight)” “not looking like other children” or “cannot see the food he is eating on him or her”.
“A petite cute baby is automatically under-fed to everyone. Different kinds of advice start coming in. Hence, weight gain pap for babies.”
For and against babies’ weight gain
Obsession with weight gain in babies appears to be gaining more traction. For some, it is more like “a trial will convince you”. Observation by The Nation on one of the vendor’s TikTok page revealed that some mothers in the comment section were drooling for babies’ weight gain, while others gave a sharp contrast.
Childhood overweight and obesity has been associated with serious health problems and risk of premature illness and death later in life. Uncontrolled child overweight and obesity can lead to all the health complications that can be noted in an adult.
Genius Hawalh lamented: “You see these new generation mothers who should have been in such or something? They are cancerous to now and the future. They misplace priorities effortlessly. And to the poison sellers, may VDM reason your matter, individually.”
For Onigbajo Toyin, it is a sad development.
She said: “This is so sad! There are more parents like this out there. Homemade food is meant for healthy growth, not questionable weight gain like this!
“This knocks down the work some of us are doing to promote homemade food for children.”
Chinedu Mpamugo: “Having an extremely big infant is not a ‘flex’ as some think. What you need is a healthy child, not an obese one.
“Infant obesity poses a short and long-term problem, with risk of chronic diseases later in life. It’s worse when you have to give special products for weight gain.”
Amaka Ohiri argued: “They don’t know the future health risks they are exposing their babies to. Why would a “so-called” mother feed a four-month-old with a weight gain pap? What happened to her breakfast milk? If she’s not lactating, what happened to age appropriate breast milk substitutes (baby milk)?”
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Ngene Akpa said: “The drugs they use in fattening pigs is what they put in the pap and some mothers administer it directly to their kids. I always say men should get actively involved to monitor what is happening.”
Mr. Ogochukwu lamented: “This is the most use*less era. Our parents of old used more organic nutritional products to grow us. The Gen z girls of now want it quick, using lots of processed chemical mixtures to feed their kids.”
Mr. Ejikem advised: “Men, please be involved in whatever your wives are doing to your kids. Only mentally deranged couples will buy weight gain pap for babies.
“Genetically, two slim people shouldn’t be having Orobo. These are the same people that bleach children.”
In response to the concerns raised about the product marketed as Pems Organic Weight Gain Pap, the seller issued a statement on her TikTok account, @purely_organicc.
In the statement, she maintained that her product is made from entirely natural ingredients, which she said are properly sorted, washed and dehydrated before production.
The statement reads in part: “I do not use any form of artificial content in my product; they are natural ingredients.
“Here are the ingredients I use: oats, sorghum, millet, tiger nut, cashew nut, soya beans, dried plantains, millet, date, crayfish and groundnut, all of which are properly sorted, washed, and dehydrated before production.”
She further defended the safety of her product, claiming that it had been used without any adverse reactions by her own children and numerous customers.
“This is a product I’ve used for my son and my niece and none of which they have ever reacted to, neither have any of my customers.
“I can share with you some contacts of my customers for confirmation,” she wrote.
“This is a product I send within and outside Nigeria, and no child has ever reacted to it!” she insisted.
The seller clarified that her business is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and is in the process of obtaining NAFDAC approval.
She wrote: “And for the part of NAFDAC, it is a process I’ve been working on for the past couple of weeks, and I’m trying to get all of the necessary documentation.
“Also, my business is registered under CAC, and I can send you some samples of my product for testing and can be taken to any lab for further inspection.”
Setting babies up for future health challenges?
The infancy stage of babies are crucial to their growth. Infancy is a time when the growth, coordination, and mental development occur. Newborns build upon their rooting, sucking and grasping reflexes. Infants begin to tug and pull on their hands, clench them into fists, and bring them to their mouths, all while learning to repeat their body movements.
Experts argue that responsive parenting behavior is very useful and important in averting detrimental feeding practices and child’s obesity. Poor eating and feeding practices start from the earliest days of a child’s life.
They underlined that some mothers may lack knowledge about balanced diets and healthy eating habits, leading to unintentional promotion of unhealthy weight gain.
As children begin transitioning to soft or solid foods around the six-month mark, too many are introduced to the wrong kind of diet.
A certified nutritionist, Odukoya Fiyinfoluwa, posited: “Overfeeding your baby or giving them calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods to achieve that “chubby look” can set them up for future health challenges: obesity, diabetes, and even hypertension.
Health advocate and paediatrician, Ayobola Adebowale, noted that a baby’s overweight is a foundation for childhood obesity
He said: “There is a healthy weight pattern for babies — Double birth weight around five months; triple birth weight at first year!
“Your baby, after six months, should be eating good and balanced diet. You don’t necessarily have to give them energy dense foods because you want them to be chubby.
“Chubby doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Your focus should be raising a healthy child with healthy weight. You say it is baby fat, I say it is a foundation for childhood obesity because you just wouldn’t stop feeding them.”
Doctor Egemba Chinonso, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, urged regulatory agencies to take action on these products which are detrimental to the health of babies and infants.
Checks by The Nation revealed that the agency in its extant law noted: “No NAFDAC regulated product shall be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, distributed or used in Nigeria unless it has been registered in accordance with the provision of Food, Drugs and Related Products Registration, Act Cap F33 LFN 2004.
“A pre-packaged and/or labelled food product shall not be manufactured in Nigeria unless the facility has been inspected and Certificate of Listing is issued to the product by NAFDAC.”
Chinonso said: “Dear @NafdacAgency, I’m guessing this is within your purview. No one knows what is inside that pap. Also, this is setting these babies for damage.”
Three researchers, Drs Oluwafunmilayo Adeniyi, Gabriel Fagbenro and Foluke Olatona, in a 2020 report, noted that the rate of childhood obesity in some developing countries was as high as that of developed countries.
They added that children in low and middle-income countries were exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods, which were lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality.
For the medics, these dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in a sharp increase in obesity in children.
How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’
THE NATION
Health
Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties
Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products
President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.
The NCS’ spokesman said: “Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.”
The statement added that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.
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Maiwada said to ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Experts speak
Experts said the implementation of the Executive Order would address the skyrocketing cost of medicines.
A former National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, in a chat with our correspondent, described the implementation of the Executive Order as commendable, saying it would lead to reduction of prices some locally manufactured medicines like antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.
A former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) FCT chapter, Pharmacist Eneojo Made, said the implementation of Zero VAT and exercise duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are used to produce medicines, would boost the production of essential medicines for various categories of diseases thereby enhancing availability and access to them in the country.
A former National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kenneth Edeh Ujah, said, “When the cost of production of medicines at various stages is lower, of course, it is going to have that direct impact on the eventual cost of the medicine when people visit the pharmacy to buy their drugs.”
Also, Prof Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the potential for success in the order was boosted because specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial products, including drugs, long lasting insecticidal bed nets, rapid diagnostic kits and others.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had, in a statement, said the Executive Order is a significant milestone, as it opens the door for local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to begin fully benefiting from the relief measures outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Executive Order
Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties
Health
Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery
A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.
Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.
“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.
“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”
The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “
Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”
“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”
Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.
“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”
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Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.
“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.
“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”
To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.
“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”
He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.
“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”
Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”
Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.
“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.
He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.
Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery
Health
FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs
The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired pharmaceuticals has destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.
This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.
To this end, the committee comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army has destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.
The destruction exercise which took place in Epe, Lagos State yesterday, was part of a broader initiative of the Federal Government to curb importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.
The pharmaceuticals destroyed were Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection amongst others.
Speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was important to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused, thus contributing to criminal activities in the country.
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Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.
He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.
“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.
Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A, emphasised the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.
“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.
“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.
On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.
Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.
FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs
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