Accra, Ghana – July 27, 2025 – Popular Nigerian actor Jim Iyke has sparked widespread debate across social media and health circles after making controversial claims about food consumption and nutrition during a recent radio interview in Ghana.
Speaking candidly on Ghana’s 3FM 102.7, the Nollywood star, who has no known background in nutritional science, asserted that food is a “scam” and argued that the human body is biologically designed to eat only once a day.
“I eat once a day,” Iyke said in the interview. “Food sounds like a disruptor for me. Once I eat, it’s downhill. I think my energy is pure and unbridled when I don’t eat. So sometimes, I don’t want to share that space with food.”
According to the 48-year-old actor, consuming meals more than once a day not only affects his productivity but also signals his body to slow down. “Because food begins to weigh me down, I begin to enjoy it and it sends signals to my head that the day is ending, and I need to sleep,” he explained.
He further claimed: “Then your subconsciousness takes over with manipulation and begins to tell you, you’ve tried today, you’ve eaten, take some time off. Food is a scam. The human body is designed to eat just once a day. And of course, what you eat defines everything. The law of commutative effect will catch up with you every time you eat something wrong.”
A Star’s Personal Philosophy
Jim Iyke, who has starred in over 150 Nollywood movies and is known for his charismatic screen presence and sharp-tongued characters, emphasized that his unorthodox eating habit is a personal choice rooted in mental clarity and self-discipline.
“I function better when I’m hungry,” he insisted. “It sharpens my senses and keeps me alert. Eating too much slows me down.”
While Iyke framed his habit as a strategy for optimal performance, his comments quickly ignited public debate, especially given the lack of medical or scientific backing for such assertions.
Mixed Reactions from the Public and Experts
Fans and followers across Nigeria and Ghana flooded social media with mixed reactions. Some praised Iyke for his discipline and personal conviction, while others criticized him for spreading potentially harmful misinformation.
“I admire Jim Iyke’s willpower, but calling food a scam is just misleading,” a Ghanaian nutritionist, Dr. Leticia Owusu, told Africa Live News. “There is absolutely no scientific consensus that supports the idea that humans should eat once a day. In fact, for most people, doing so may deprive the body of essential nutrients and lead to energy imbalances.”
Dr. Owusu added, “The human metabolism is complex, and dietary needs vary depending on age, health conditions, activity level, and even climate. Generalizing such a rigid diet could encourage unhealthy practices.”
Nutrition experts generally recommend balanced eating that includes three well-proportioned meals a day, possibly with light snacks in between, depending on individual caloric needs. The idea is to maintain steady blood sugar levels and supply the body with consistent energy.
The Rise of Alternative Diet Theories
Though Iyke’s statement stirred controversy, his perspective isn’t entirely new in the world of alternative diets. The idea of eating once a day aligns loosely with a form of intermittent fasting known as OMAD (One Meal A Day), a regimen some followers believe helps with weight control and mental focus.
However, experts caution that such diets should only be undertaken with medical supervision, and are not suitable for everyone—especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions.
“What works for one individual may be harmful to another,” said Nigerian dietician Chiamaka Obioha. “The danger is when celebrities use their platforms to make broad generalizations that may be misinterpreted by fans without understanding the science or their own body’s needs.”
Jim Iyke: Not New to Controversy
Jim Iyke, born James Ikechukwu Esomugha, is no stranger to controversy. Beyond his film career, he has often made headlines for his outspoken views, bold lifestyle choices, and unconventional public appearances. Whether it’s spiritual deliverance sessions gone viral or dramatic red-carpet moments, he remains a figure who commands both admiration and criticism.
In the 3FM interview, Iyke also touched on his broader lifestyle philosophy, hinting that his approach to food is part of a larger personal transformation. “It’s about control, about mastering your impulses. In a world that’s constantly selling you indulgence, I choose discipline.”
While many fans see him as a symbol of resilience and authenticity, critics argue that his recent comments could send the wrong message, especially to young people who idolize him.
Celebrity Influence and Health Responsibility
Jim Iyke’s comments reignite the debate on the responsibility of celebrities when speaking on health matters. In the age of social media, public figures wield immense influence, often shaping public perceptions and behaviors.
“I don’t think celebrities should be censored,” said media analyst Rita Obeng. “But they do have a responsibility to qualify their statements. There’s a fine line between sharing personal lifestyle choices and spreading disinformation, particularly when it involves people’s health.”
Final Thoughts
As Jim Iyke’s interview continues to trend online, the controversy underscores a larger societal challenge: navigating the space between personal freedom, public influence, and scientific truth.
While his preference for eating once a day may work for him, experts and fans alike caution against treating such habits as universally applicable or scientifically endorsed. In a world already filled with health misinformation, clarity and context are more important than ever.
Africa Live News will continue to follow the public health discourse sparked by Iyke’s comments, offering professional guidance and expert analysis for our readers across the continent.
