Halima, a 21-year-old woman from a village on the outskirts of Kano, recently visited a clinic with her mother, displaying symptoms that were initially misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. However, a closer examination revealed a more complex issue. The young woman had been taking a steroid called Dexamethasone, popularly known as 'Sha ka Fashe', which is often used to gain weight.
This medication, prescribed to Halima by her friends as a solution to her thin stature, has severe side effects. Dexamethasone increases the body's production of insulin, leading to an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism, resulting in weight gain. The medication can also cause fluid retention in the body, further contributing to weight gain.
The use of Dexamethasone for weight gain has become a global concern, with research showing that up to 80 per cent of users experience weight gain as an adverse effect. The medication's popularity among young men and women is alarming, despite its deadly side effects.
The alarming rate at which young Nigerians are resorting to Dexamethasone to gain weight is a clear indication of the deep-seated issues of body image and self-esteem in the country. The fact that a medication with such severe side effects is being used as a quick fix is a cause for concern. The government and healthcare institutions must take immediate action to raise awareness about the dangers of Dexamethasone and provide support to young people struggling with body image issues. The economic implications of this trend are also significant, as the country grapples with the rising cost of healthcare and the burden of non-communicable diseases. By addressing this issue, we can prevent a generation of young Nigerians from falling prey to the dangers of 'Sha ka Fashe'.
