There was a time when a man’s big belly told a story of success, good meals, soft living, and status. But in Kenya’s boardrooms and gyms, that story is different. More and more men want a lean body, and those who cannot achieve it quickly at the gym are choosing to turn to cosmetic surgery.
Nation Lifestyle spoke to a few men, asking them: Can you do liposuction, a surgery that involves removing excess fat from specific areas of the body, often the abdomen, back, thighs, or arms, to create a leaner shape? Are Kenyan men losing masculinity by going for fat removal procedures?
Washington Mageto, founder and CEO of Transnorth Premium Logistics
Photo credit: Pool
“I believe liposuction is ultimately a lifestyle choice. Everyone has the right to decide what makes them feel confident. However, I think there are healthier and more sustainable ways, like regular exercise, good nutrition, and proper self-care, that can achieve similar results without going under the knife.
The whole idea of a pot belly symbolising success has really changed in the city, but not much in rural Kenya. There was a time when it meant that you were doing well, you had a wife, and you could afford to eat whatever you wanted, didn’t have to do manual work, and life was generally good.
But now, people associate success with being fit, energetic, and having a sense of control over their health. These days, someone with a healthy lifestyle and confidence represents success more than someone with a big belly ever could.
As for liposuction, even if money wasn’t an issue, I don’t think I’d go for it. I’d rather take the longer route to work on my fitness, eat better, and let the results come naturally. There is something fulfilling about knowing you earned it. But I understand why some people would choose it. If it helps them feel better about themselves and live more confidently, that is still a positive outcome in my eyes.
Nairobi’s gym culture has definitely changed things, too. There’s a lot more pressure now for men to look a certain way: Have abs, a defined chest, a clean lifestyle, and such. Social media has made it even more intense because everyone is constantly seeing the “beach” body online. But on the bright side, it has made more men conscious about their health. The challenge is just finding balance on working out because you want to feel good, not because you feel you’re not enough.
At the end of the day, men are becoming more image-conscious, but that’s just part of modern life since appearance now plays a big role in how people perceive you both socially and professionally.
Confidence should start from who you are, not just how you look. Looking good is great, but feeling good about yourself is what really matters.
Del Monte Kenya Managing Director Wayne Cook during the interview on August 13, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“A pot belly symbolises an unhealthy lifestyle or wrong food choices, with not enough exercise. I wouldn’t opt for liposuction to reach my fitness goals, as I believe there are no quick fixes in life.
First, reduce the weight and excess fat, and then maybe use surgery or other ways to get rid of excess skin.
I, however, wouldn’t judge those who opt for the surgical procedure. For me, I would first try a natural solution, but I will never judge someone trying to improve themselves physically. A physical change could spark a positive mental transformation or improvement to mental health.
I'm not sure if the Nairobi gym culture has influenced the mass shift to these procedures, but it has certainly influenced a shift towards a healthier culture. As long as you are doing it for the right reason, go for it. It also comes with modern life and social media influence.”
Tim's Health and Fitness Centre trainer Byron Majumbe demonstrating the alternating dumbbell bicep curl at the Rongai facility on July 26, 2022.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“It is absolutely acceptable for men to turn to liposuction as long as it is a personal choice and not driven only by social pressure or insecurity. Many men pursue fitness through training and nutrition, but some choose cosmetic procedures like liposuction, body contouring, or gynecomastia correction to enhance or fine-tune their appearance.
There’s nothing wrong with that. What matters most is motivation and mental well-being; doing it for self-confidence and not for external validation.
That said, surgery shouldn’t replace genuine health practices like exercise and good nutrition. Looking fit is one thing, being fit and healthy is another.
Personally, I’d prioritise natural methods — training, diet, and consistency — since they offer lasting physical and mental health benefits. However, if someone reached a plateau after real effort or had a condition affecting self-esteem (like excess skin after major weight loss), then investing in a procedure could be reasonable. So, not as a shortcut, but as a finishing touch after putting in the work.”
