In Kenya, a growing number of individuals are turning to an unconventional weight loss solution that has taken social media by storm: slimming wires. This controversial method, which involves a dental procedure typically used to treat broken jaws, has become a popular yet risky alternative for those seeking rapid weight loss.
Monica Muroki, 30, was one of the first to share her slimming wire journey on TikTok, sparking a wave of interest in the procedure. Struggling with her weight for years, Muroki had already tried traditional methods like gym workouts and dietary consultations with little success. “I kept injuring my knees during workouts, making it difficult to continue,” she explained. A visit to her gynaecologist revealed the severity of her weight issue, which was exacerbated by medical concerns like hormonal imbalances and H. pylori infection.
Muroki researched various weight loss options but found them out of reach due to their high costs. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a TikTok video featuring slimming wires, an unusual procedure from South Africa, that she began considering the method. Intrigued, she consulted her dentist and, despite warnings about the potential risks, decided to go ahead with the procedure.
Slimming wires, or Mandibulo-maxillary fixation (MMF), are typically used to treat broken jaws by binding the upper and lower jaws together with wires, elastic bands, or metal splints. “My dentist was concerned because of the risks involved, such as choking and tooth decay,” Muroki admitted. However, encouraged by positive testimonials from social media creators, she went ahead with the procedure in October 2024, weighing 104 kilograms.
The process was uncomfortable but not painful, Muroki shared. For the first two weeks, she struggled with the discomfort of having her mouth tightly shut, especially at night when her subconscious mind would override her physical limitations. She also had to consume only blended foods during the treatment. But within two months, Muroki had lost 20 kilograms, dropping to 84 kilograms, and she continued to document her transformation online.
Inspired by Muroki’s success, 21-year-old Rita Wanjiku Kamau also sought out the slimming wires after facing her own weight-related challenges. Wanjiku’s weight had ballooned from 68 to 83 kilograms, pushing her BMI into the obese range. Her chest problems and asthma attacks worsened with the added weight. After consulting her dentist in January 2025, she underwent the procedure and lost seven kilograms in three weeks.
Despite the weight loss, Wanjiku faced numerous challenges. “The hardest part was not being able to brush my tongue or floss, which led to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities,” she explained. Social media critics also questioned the safety of the method, with some people advising her to stick to traditional weight loss strategies.
As obesity rates rise in Kenya—women classified as obese increased from 38% in 2014 to 45% in 2022, according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS)—methods like slimming wires may seem like an appealing solution. However, health experts are cautioning against such drastic measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the severe health risks of obesity, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reproductive complications for women. While jaw wiring for weight loss gained attention in the 1970s and 1980s, experts like George Omollo, president of the Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Association, strongly advise against it. “Rapid weight loss, such as losing 20 kilograms in two months, is not healthy,” Omollo warned. “A safe rate of weight loss is two to four kilograms per month. Excessive weight loss can lead to muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies.”
Omollo advocates for a balanced diet and regular exercise as the most effective and sustainable methods for weight loss. He stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals instead of relying on online trends. Similarly, Dr. Godfrey Maronga, an experienced dentist, emphasized the risks of using MMF for weight loss, describing it as an inappropriate application of a medical procedure designed for trauma patients. “I would never use MMF for weight loss. It’s a misuse of the procedure, and I would recommend seeing a nutritionist instead.”
Though slimming wires have garnered social media attention, experts remain steadfast in their recommendation of safer, more sustainable approaches to weight loss. While it may offer quick results, the long-term risks and challenges of such procedures outweigh the potential benefits, leaving health professionals advocating for well-rounded, medically supported weight management strategies.
Related Topics:
Doctors Warn Against Cheap Weight Loss Surgery
Major Study on Weight-Loss Injections Shows Benefits and Risks
