A Consultant Nephrologist at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, Dr. Maryam Ahmed Almustapha, has advised women to avoid lifting heavy loads, warning that the practice could expose them to serious long-term health complications.
Dr. Almustapha made the appeal in a viral video she shared via her TikTok that has sparked widespread discussions on social media, where she explained that biological and physiological differences between men and women make heavy lifting more hazardous for women.
According to the medical expert, men naturally possess stronger bones and greater muscle mass, making them better suited for physically demanding tasks.
She explained that men generally have more than 15 percent higher bone mineral density than women, giving them stronger skeletal support. She also noted that men have over 40 percent more muscle mass, which enables them to handle heavier physical workloads with less strain on the body.
Dr. Almustapha said her message was aimed at raising awareness among women about the potential health risks associated with repeatedly lifting heavy objects, particularly over a long period.
She identified pelvic organ prolapse as one of the most serious complications linked to heavy lifting. According to her, the condition occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weakened, causing organs such as the uterus, bladder or rectum to descend from their normal positions.
She explained that pelvic organ prolapse may present in different forms, including uterine prolapse, where the uterus slips into the vaginal canal; cystocele, involving the bladder; and rectocele, where the rectum bulges into the vagina.
The nephrologist also warned that women who frequently engage in heavy lifting may develop stress urinary incontinence, a condition that causes involuntary urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
She further listed chronic back pain as another common consequence, explaining that repeated strain on the spine and surrounding muscles can lead to persistent discomfort and reduced mobility.
In addition, Dr. Almustapha highlighted osteoarthritis as another possible complication. She described it as a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knees and other weight-bearing joints, resulting in pain, stiffness and difficulty with movement.
She emphasized that while not every woman who lifts heavy loads will develop these conditions, repeated exposure to excessive physical strain increases the risk, especially among women with other predisposing factors.
Appealing directly to men, Dr. Almustapha urged them to be more considerate and supportive by avoiding situations where women are expected to carry heavy loads unnecessarily.
She said women often bear the long-term physical consequences of such activities, stressing that preventing these health problems begins with reducing unnecessary physical strain.
Her comments have generated mixed reactions online, with many supporting her call for greater awareness of women’s health, while others argued that proper lifting techniques, physical fitness and individual health status also play important roles in determining the risks associated with manual labour.
Medical experts generally advise that anyone, regardless of gender, should use proper lifting techniques, avoid lifting loads beyond their physical capacity and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent back pain, pelvic pressure or urinary leakage after strenuous activities.
