FRANCISCAADIDI
the quest for beauty, fitness and confidence has driven many women across Plateau State to seek alternatives for maintaining a flat belly, especially after childbirth. With the soaring costs of surgical options such as abdominoplasty and liposuction, coupled with the economic hardships under President Tinubu’s administration, a growing number of women are turning to herbs and spices as affordable remedies. In this report, FRANCISCA ADIDI captures the experiences of Plateau women who have embraced herbal mixtures, the health concerns raised by medical experts and the delicate balance between beauty, health and economic realities
Naturally, women like to feel and look good. That is why appearance has always been a prominent part of their lifestyle, whether married or single. One would have thought that with the continuous rise in the cost of goods and services, including reduced purchasing power, women would have cut down on how much they spend to maintain their looks. Instead, more women are investing in beauty, style, make-up, cosmetics and other therapies, including surgical options like liposuction.
Many women, especially married ones, are particularly conscious of their belly because of childbirth. Some go out of shape when the belly begins to grow fat and constantly seek remedies to reduce it. Sustaining a flat belly remains the top priority. While some take up early morning exercise, others consume herbal concoctions or undergo surgery to reduce belly fat.
Economic policies under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu have worsened the situation by pushing up costs across sectors such as power, education, and health. As a result, the cost of beauty interventions like liposuction, abdominoplasty, injections, waist trainers and specialised exercises has skyrocketed, forcing many women to turn to cheaper herbal solutions and spice combinations.
High cost of surgical options
Prices for the two main surgical options for belly fat reduction—Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and Liposuction—have become prohibitive. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles. Liposuction, on the other hand, uses suction to remove localised fat cells.
According to skin101ng.com, liposuction in Nigeria costs between N250,000 and N1.5 million per procedure depending on the clinic and area treated. Grandville Medical and Laser places the cost of abdominoplasty at around N2.2 million. Many women consider these costs outrageous, hence their preference for affordable alternatives.
Consequently, several women in Plateau State, particularly those done with childbearing, told THE NIGERIA STANDARD that they are now drinking herbal mixtures to flatten their bellies, even though the mixtures affect other parts of their bodies.
Women share their experiences
Mrs. Jennifer Ayuba, a civil servant and mother of three from State Low Cost in Jos South Local Government Area, explained: “I am drinking a combination of spices to reduce my belly size. A friend told me about the combination and it worked for me. I also tell others about it.”
Similarly, Madam Belinda from Dong Village in Jos South LGA narrated how she resorted to herbs.
Said she, “I have been using spices made up of ginger, cloves, mango and guava leaves, including many others to put me in shape after realising I had a very big protruding belly. After childbearing, I wasn’t confident of myself anymore.”
“I tied clothes on my belly like a waist trainer because I couldn’t afford one, let alone a tummy tuck surgery. The spice combo I saw online worked, but it shrinks my whole body, and people think I am sick. I had to reduce its intake for my health,” Belinda added.
For Cynthia Joe, a 29-year-old resident of Federal Low Cost, Jos, herbal remedies remain her choice.
“I have a combination of herbs and spices I drink daily to make my belly flat and trimmed to shape. As a lady, having a good and attractive shape is necessary to fit into clothes and look confident.
“I am approaching 30, so I need a flat belly to hide my age and maintain an attractive, ageless figure. Surgery is too expensive, and I won’t even consider it yet. I get herbs for as little as N5,000 or N6,000, and they are effective,” she revealed.
Medical experts raise concerns
Dr. Danaan, a medical doctor at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, explained the risks involved: “Most women avoid surgery because of the high cost and fear of complications, including anaesthetic risks or pre-existing conditions. Some women have died after surgery. Herbs, however, are not well researched, and their doses and side effects remain unknown.
“Overdose and complications can occur, damaging vital organs like the kidneys, liver, lungs and skin. Herbs are often temporary unless taken indefinitely.”
She maintained that exercise and proper dieting remain the safest and most sustainable approach. She said, “Exercise and diet are the best combinations for reducing belly fat. Surgery in good hands may be more permanent, but herbs are risky when abused.”
A retired senior nurse at the Jos University Teaching Hospital echoed these concerns: “Though herbs and spices may work, many of them interfere with hormones in a woman’s body, affecting menstruation, ovulation, conception and menopause.
“The risks are high when they are misused. That is why I always advise women to stick to exercise and healthy eating habits.”
Balancing health, beauty, economy
Other women who shared their experiences noted that exercising and dieting are difficult to maintain because of rising food costs. Many, therefore, settle for herbs despite the risks. According to one anonymous respondent:”A friend recommended some spice combinations of ginger, cloves and garlic. I drink them now, and it works. I also watch what I eat, which helps cut costs.”
Ultimately, experts advise caution. While the economic situation pushes women towards affordable herbal remedies, long-term health risks cannot be ignored. As the retired nurse put it: “People must look good, eat and have fun. But they should choose the best and safest option for their health and remain comfortable.