Journalist and media personality Ciru Muriuki has spoken openly about her experience using injectable weight-loss drugs, offering a rare, personal African perspective on a global conversation often dominated by celebrities and influencers from the West.
Speaking on BBC Africa’s Focus on Africa, Ciru described her decision to use injectables as a conscious and informed choice, while cautioning against the growing perception that such drugs are a quick fix for weight loss.
“This is not a magic bullet,” Ciru said during the interview, pushing back against the narrative that injections alone can transform a person’s body without effort or consequence. She stressed that weight-loss drugs should not be treated as shortcuts, noting that lifestyle changes remain an important part of the process.
Ciru explained that the injectables she used were originally developed to treat medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, with weight loss emerging as a secondary effect. This, she said, is why medical supervision is crucial. “These are not beauty products,” she emphasised, warning against the casual way the drugs are sometimes discussed on social media.
Her comments come at a time when injectable weight-loss drugs are gaining popularity across the world, including Africa, driven by online trends and celebrity endorsements. Ciru acknowledged the appeal, particularly for people who have struggled with weight for years, but urged listeners to approach the subject with caution.
“I wanted to be honest about my experience,” she said, explaining that her decision to speak publicly was motivated by a lack of transparent conversations around the realities of using such medication. Rather than glamorising the results, Ciru focused on the broader context — the physical, emotional and financial considerations involved.
The journalist also addressed the issue of side effects, noting that injectables can have real impacts on the body. While she did not dwell on personal medical details, she made it clear that these drugs are not risk-free and should not be taken without proper guidance. “People need to understand what they are putting into their bodies,” she said.
Cost and accessibility formed another key part of the discussion. Ciru pointed out that injectable weight-loss drugs remain expensive and out of reach for many Africans, raising concerns about inequality and the potential rise of unsafe or counterfeit alternatives. As demand grows, she warned that desperation could push people toward unregulated products.
“There is a bigger conversation we need to have about access and safety,” she said, adding that the growing popularity of injectables should be matched with accurate information and stronger regulation.
Beyond the medical aspects, Ciru placed the discussion within a wider social context, particularly the pressure placed on women to conform to certain body standards. She reflected on how public scrutiny can influence personal decisions, especially for women in media and public-facing careers.
“We don’t talk enough about the pressure,” she noted, arguing that weight-loss conversations are often framed around appearance rather than health or personal wellbeing.