A photo of Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing recently went viral but not for the reasons you might expect. The image, captured secretly at a gym, showed her with a bloated stomach, which many interpreted as signs of being overweight.

Within hours, gossip blog had splashed the photo across their pages, and social media users piled on with comments mocking her appearance with little regard for context.

Nkechi fired back at her critics. On Instagram, she made it clear that her presence at the gym was not for a fashion show or any public performance.

“I went to the gym to stay fit and healthy, not for a fashion show or runway.” she wrote, condemning the invasion of her privacy.

Nkechi’s response spotlights an uncomfortable truth. Obesity is a growing health crisis in Nigeria, yet public discourse around it is often laced with shame, rather than support and a genuine concern for health.

Amid the online drama surrounding the viral photo, Yetunde Muhammad, an avid social media user, offered a perspective that cuts through the noise.

Q: What does the reactions to actress Nkechi Blessing’s gym photo tell you about how society views people who are overweight or obese?

I find it really distasteful when people make comments or statements regarding one’s weight without knowing what is happening behind the scenes. People are dealing with a lot of things; it could be health issues or simply not having enough time or money to work out.

Q: Do you think people living with obesity in Nigeria face too much criticism or body shaming, instead of support and encouragement?

Yes, they do. I have noticed that people feel they have an opinion on others’ weight and don’t think about the consequences of their words, because words affect us a lot more than we think.

Q: In your opinion, should the focus be on appearance or on health and fitness when we talk about weight?

We should rather focus on accessibility. People may have the money, but no time. Some may have time but no money, or no knowledge on where to start or what to do.

Q: What do you think individuals, families, or even the government can do to change negative perceptions and promote healthier lifestyles?

The issue is, negative perceptions will never change or go, it will always be there. What we can do is help those who need it and focus on their mental health. When one is confident enough, they can be able to do what they can.

Aisha Muhammad, a reporter for Health Digest, shares a similar perspective, “Society sees ‘overweight’ as a blemish, without realizing there are hundreds of reasons why someone could be obese.

“And this doesn’t just affect those who are overweight; people who are thin or underweight are also insulted and shamed instead of being supported.

“Everyone should strive for their best physical form, and that looks different for each person. What government, families and individuals should do is provide support and speak up for people. Campaigns and active advocacy are needed to change the narrative.”

The Public Health Emergency Obesity Really Is

According to a systematic review published in PLOS Global Public Health, about 27.6% of Nigerian adults are overweight, while 14.5% are obese. Women are disproportionately affected, with nearly 23% living with obesity, compared to just 10.9% of men. That means millions of Nigerians are carrying the physical and psychological burden of obesity and yet we still treat it as a personal failure rather than the public health emergency it is.

The health consequences are devastating. Obesity is strongly linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and even certain cancers. The Global Nutrition Report shows that about 15.7% of Nigerian women and 5.9% of men already live with obesity, and the numbers are climbing.

But we rarely talk about WHY. Our diets have shifted dramatically: the oil used in our jollof rice preps, sugar-laden drinks, and then, fast-food chains dotting Lagos and Abuja. We are consuming more calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods than ever before. Traditional meals that were once balanced are now over-processed, oversized, and stripped of nutritional value. At the same time, urban lifestyles mean many of us spend hours sitting at desks, in traffic, or glued to screens, with little time for movement.

And then, there are cultural perceptions. In some Nigerian communities, being “plump” or “chubby” is still celebrated as a sign of wealth or good living. Meanwhile, gyms are sometimes dismissed as vanity projects rather than health necessities. Nkechi Blessing’s experience underscores how easily society reduces complex issues like health to cheap jokes and viral moments.

Khadijah Bala, a student of Bayero University Kano, summed up the issue in a manner that really brings the human cost home:

“Instead of applauding her effort to stay fit, many focused on shaming her, which reflects how overweight people are often stigmatized. The reactions to Nkechi Blessing’s gym photo show that society still judges people by body size.

“Being slim doesn’t always mean being healthy, and being big doesn’t always mean being sick. Fitness and well-being matter more than appearance.

“Individuals can avoid body shaming and encourage others. Families can support healthy eating and exercise at home. Government can promote fitness through campaigns and facilities. Together, this can change negative views and promote healthier living.”

Many, like Khadijah, argue that a mindset shift is necessary. Obesity isn’t simply looks, but primarily about health. We must begin to see it through a compassionate lens. That means encouraging open conversations, supporting healthier food choices and promoting accessible physical activity for all.

Government and institutions would also have roles to play. Taxing sugary drinks, regulating food advertising, creating walkable cities, and funding public health campaigns are no longer debatable luxuries; they have become necessities.