TV personalities LaConco and Jub Jub open up about cosmetic surgery, while experts say lifestyle habits still matter.
By Bulelwa Hoala
South African television presenter LaConco, real name Nonkanyiso Conco, has gifted herself a tummy tuck for Valentine’s Day.
This marks the second cosmetic procedure for LaConco, who previously underwent 360 lipo in 2022.
She shared a vlog of herself preparing for the surgery, which will be performed by renowned Professor Chrysis Sofianos, who has also done cosmetic procedures for The Mommy Club star Nozipho Ntshangase.
“I’m arriving at the hospital for my blood tests. Professor Sofianos sent me for that, and also said I should take X-rays for my chest, lungs, and stomach,” she said.
“I’m a woman who works out at least five times a week. Mina ngiyalwa, but ngilwa kakhulu kulokhu, because I’ve gifted myself a tummy tuck for Valentine’s Day. The proper medical term is called abdominoplasty,” LaConco added.
Just days earlier, Ujayola 9/9 presenter Jub Jub, real name Molelmo Maarohanye, also revealed that he had decided to go under the knife for his belly.
He checked in at Herwood Medical Centre in Durban, where he joked that he looked six months pregnant.
Jub Jub shared that he had tried everything, including Ozempic, but admitted that nothing beats his love for meat.
“The first step to changing my health with @herwoodmedicalcentre. It’s been a rough couple of years with this here belly. I got time to maintain it, but I don’t have time to lose it.
“Even with this, I still gotta maintain a good diet plan. Wait for me first to see if you game,” he wrote on Instagram.
Don’t have money for surgery? Here’s what you can do
While cosmetic surgery may work for some, reducing belly fat still boils down to lifestyle and habits. In most cases, patients are required to eat well and exercise even after surgery as part of a long-term maintenance plan.
Here are three easy and proven ways to reduce belly fat without surgery:
1. Diet
Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbs. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats are among the biggest contributors to belly fat. Cutting them out can lead to visible results within weeks. Drink plenty of water, increase your fibre intake, and focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
2. Exercise
You don’t need a gym membership to stay in shape. A simple daily 30–45-minute walk is an effective way to burn belly fat. Cardio workouts such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are also effective for targeting stubborn fat. Many free workouts are available online, including on YouTube.
3. Sleep well and de-stress
The stress hormone cortisol can contribute to abdominal fat storage. High stress levels and poor sleep increase cortisol. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep a night and cut down on screen time to help manage stress.
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