Health

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

Published

1 year ago

November 30, 2024

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.

READ ALSO:

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.

READ ALSO:

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.

READ ALSO:

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)?”

READ ALSO:

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

Related Topics:mothers obesity organic weight gain foods

Up Next

Why leftover rice should not be reheated

Don't Miss

Don’t leave Nigeria, health minister begs medical practitioners

Health

WHO Steps Up Ebola Response, Prioritises Vaccine Testing Amid Outbreak

Published

11 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Trends Admin

WHO Steps Up Ebola Response, Prioritises Vaccine Testing Amid Outbreak

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has intensified global efforts to contain the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, convening top scientific and advisory groups to urgently evaluate experimental vaccines and therapeutics as cases continue to emerge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with additional cross-border infections reported in Uganda.

The latest outbreak has raised fresh concerns among international health authorities because the Bundibugyo ebolavirus is one of the less common species of Ebola virus, and currently has no licensed vaccine or approved therapeutic treatment, unlike the more common Zaire ebolavirus for which approved countermeasures exist.

In a statement released after a high-level emergency consultation, WHO said its expert advisory groups concluded that all promising medical countermeasures for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) should only be deployed within carefully designed clinical trials to ensure scientific evidence generation while maintaining strict safety and ethical standards. (who.int)

The organisation disclosed that the review involved its R&D Blueprint Technical Advisory Group, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE), and WHO’s Ebola Vaccine Working Group, which assessed all available vaccine and treatment candidates for immediate deployment feasibility.

WHO said the current outbreak underscores a major research gap in global preparedness for non-Zaire Ebola strains, particularly the Bundibugyo species, which caused significant outbreaks in Uganda in 2007 and the DRC in 2012, with fatality rates ranging between 25 and 50 per cent, according to historical outbreak data. (cdc.gov)

READ ALSO:

For treatment of confirmed infections, independent experts prioritised three investigational therapeutics for immediate clinical trial evaluation.

These include the monoclonal antibody MBP134, Maftivimab®, and the antiviral drug remdesivir, all of which have shown potential antiviral activity against filoviruses in preclinical and limited clinical settings.

The advisory groups also endorsed testing combination therapy involving a monoclonal antibody and remdesivir to determine whether combined treatment could improve survival outcomes.

WHO stressed that none of these interventions should be administered outside structured clinical protocols.

For post-exposure prophylaxis among individuals who have had direct contact with confirmed or probable cases, experts identified the oral antiviral obeldesivir as a priority candidate.

The strategy involves rapidly administering oral tablets to exposed contacts to assess whether infection can be prevented before symptom onset.

However, WHO warned that this approach depends heavily on rapid case detection and effective contact tracing, both of which remain operational challenges in some affected communities due to security concerns and difficult terrain.

On vaccines, WHO identified the single-dose rVSV Bundibugyo vaccine, developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), as the most promising candidate for future trial deployment.

The vaccine is estimated to require seven to nine months before becoming trial-ready.

A second candidate, ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo, developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, could be available for efficacy trials within two to three months, pending additional animal safety and immunogenicity data.

Experts said a single-dose vaccination strategy could be suitable for immediate ring vaccination of contacts of infected persons, while a two-dose regimen may be more appropriate for frontline health workers and other high-risk responders.

The panels also reviewed Ervebo, currently the world’s only licensed Ebola vaccine.

Although Ervebo has proven highly effective against Zaire ebolavirus, WHO said there is currently no conclusive evidence that it offers protection against the Bundibugyo strain.

As a result, the organisation advised that Ervebo should not be used outside rigorously controlled research settings specifically designed to evaluate possible cross-protection.

WHO said it is collaborating closely with the governments of the DRC and Uganda, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS), and other global partners to fast-track ethical clinical trial protocols.

The organisation emphasised that all research activities must meet the highest international ethical standards, with affected communities actively involved in decision-making and national authorities maintaining oversight.

WHO also called for accelerated deployment of essential laboratory supplies, stronger surveillance systems, enhanced community engagement, and coordinated international funding to support rapid evaluation of Bundibugyo-specific countermeasures.

Despite the accelerated research push, WHO reiterated that the immediate priority remains containing transmission through established Ebola control measures, including rapid diagnosis, case isolation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community education, safe burials, and intensive surveillance.

Health officials warned that while scientific progress offers hope, effective outbreak containment will depend primarily on swift public health action and strong regional cooperation.

WHO Steps Up Ebola Response, Prioritises Vaccine Testing Amid Outbreak

Health

UK Scientists Develop New Ebola Vaccine As Congo Outbreak Triggers Global Health Concern

Published

7 days ago

May 22, 2026

Trends Admin

UK Scientists Develop New Ebola Vaccine As Congo Outbreak Triggers Global Health Concern

Scientists at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom are racing to develop a new Ebola vaccine that could be ready within months as the deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen.

The experimental vaccine is specifically targeting the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, a dangerous species of the virus that currently has no approved vaccine or dedicated treatment.

According to health authorities, the outbreak in Congo has already led to about 750 suspected infections and 177 deaths, while cases have also reportedly spread into neighbouring Uganda, raising fears of wider regional transmission.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has now upgraded the national risk level in Congo from “high” to “very high” and declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, although officials stressed that the situation is not yet considered a pandemic.

Scientists at Oxford University say they are accelerating vaccine development efforts in preparation for a possible escalation of the outbreak.

The vaccine is being developed using the same adaptable ChAdOx1 technology that powered the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during the coronavirus pandemic.

Researchers explained that the technology uses a harmless modified virus derived from a chimpanzee cold virus to safely deliver genetic instructions to the human immune system.

READ ALSO:

This time, scientists inserted genetic material from the Bundibugyo Ebola virus so the immune system can recognise and fight the infection if exposed later.

Experts say the vaccine itself cannot cause Ebola infection or symptoms but is designed to prepare the body’s immune defences against the virus.

Oxford University confirmed that the vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 BDBV, is being developed in partnership with the Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers.

The Serum Institute is expected to mass-produce doses once Oxford scientists provide medical-grade materials for manufacturing.

Animal testing is already underway in Oxford as researchers simultaneously prepare for possible human clinical trials.

According to the WHO, the vaccine could be ready for early clinical testing within two to three months if development progresses successfully.

Professor Teresa Lambe, Calleva Head of Vaccine Immunology at the Oxford Vaccine Group, said scientists are moving quickly while still maintaining scientific and ethical standards.

“My hope is that this outbreak can be brought under control quickly and that vaccines are ultimately not needed. Nevertheless, our team and partners will continue working to ensure that potential vaccine options are available if they are needed,” she said.

Lambe also stressed the importance of preparing for the worst-case scenario.

“People are worried about this outbreak. Hopefully, contact tracing and quarantine will be enough, but we cannot take our foot off the gas,” she added.

Health experts say the Bundibugyo Ebola strain kills between 30 and 40 percent of infected patients, making it particularly dangerous because no licensed vaccine currently exists for it.

The virus was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district in 2007 before resurfacing in Congo years later.

Symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, bleeding and organ failure in severe cases.

In addition to vaccine development, global health authorities are intensifying contact tracing, isolation measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread of the disease.

The outbreak has reignited international concerns over emerging infectious diseases and the need for rapid vaccine production capabilities following lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UK Scientists Develop New Ebola Vaccine As Congo Outbreak Triggers Global Health Concern

Health

WHO Declares Ebola Emergency In Congo, Uganda As Death Toll Hits 139

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2026

Trends Admin

WHO Declares Ebola Emergency In Congo, Uganda As Death Toll Hits 139

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved an additional $3.4 million to strengthen emergency response efforts against the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as the suspected death toll climbed to 139.

The fresh funding raises WHO’s total emergency allocation for the outbreak to $3.9 million, amid growing fears of wider regional spread across Central and East Africa.

Speaking during a media briefing in Geneva on Wednesday, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced that the UN health agency has officially classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations.

According to Tedros, the declaration followed consultations with authorities in both countries and was necessary to accelerate global mobilisation, funding, and international coordination to contain the deadly virus.

He explained that WHO decided to act swiftly because any delay could worsen transmission, increase fatalities, and heighten the risk of cross-border infections.

Already, WHO estimates show that nearly 600 suspected Ebola cases have been identified, while the suspected death toll has risen to 139.

Official data from the health agency confirmed that the DRC has recorded 51 laboratory-confirmed Ebola infections, mainly in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, including the cities of Bunia and Goma.

READ ALSO:

In neighbouring Uganda, authorities confirmed two infections in Kampala, one of which resulted in death after cross-border transmission linked to the DRC outbreak.

WHO also disclosed that a United States citizen infected while working in the DRC had been evacuated to Germany for specialised treatment.

Health officials warned that the actual scale of the outbreak could be significantly higher because the virus may have circulated undetected for several weeks before confirmation.

The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, first identified in Uganda in 2007. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo variant, complicating containment efforts.

Tedros noted that the outbreak has now spread into multiple urban centres, increasing fears of sustained community transmission.

He added that infections among healthcare workers indicate ongoing spread within medical facilities, with several frontline workers reportedly among the fatalities already recorded.

The WHO chief further expressed concern over worsening insecurity and displacement in eastern DRC, particularly in Ituri Province, where renewed violence since late 2025 has displaced more than 100,000 people.

According to him, the movement of displaced persons, cross-border trade, and mining activities are increasing the likelihood of regional transmission.

Concerns deepened after Congolese authorities confirmed a new Ebola case in South Kivu Province, far from the original epicentre of the outbreak, suggesting the virus may already be spreading across wider geographical areas.

International health agencies and humanitarian organisations have also raised alarm over weakened outbreak preparedness caused by years of funding shortages and cuts to foreign aid programmes.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) said scientists are accelerating efforts to develop a vaccine candidate for the Bundibugyo strain, although experts caution that producing an effective vaccine during an active outbreak remains difficult.

Tedros commended the governments of the DRC and Uganda for cooperating with response efforts, including Uganda’s decision to suspend the annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which usually attract millions of pilgrims.

WHO said emergency teams, laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and technical experts have already been deployed to affected areas to support surveillance, treatment, contact tracing, and safe burial operations.

While the organisation currently assesses the global risk level as low, it warned that the regional threat remains high and urged neighbouring countries to intensify border surveillance and preparedness measures.