logo
episode-header-image
May 2019
23m 20s

What’s boosting the ‘Brazilian Butt Lift...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

It’s a dangerous cosmetic surgical procedure that’s all over social media. About one in every 3,000 women who undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift - or BBL - will die, but the stark statistics haven’t stopped its popularity. In the United States, for instance, the number of BBLs has doubled in just a few years.

Fuelling the trend are social media photos and influencers who show off their hourglass shapes – including big breasts, tiny waists, and a big bottom. It’s a particularly prized body type in some cultures and, in modern times, it’s been popularised by superstars like Kim Kardashian.

We follow Shami, a 23-year-old who’s considering having a BBL. Before she makes a decision, she speaks to social media influencers, her close friends, and medical professionals who help guide her through her choice. Will she – or won’t she?

Presenter: Anisa Subedar Reporter: Lola Mosanya

(Photo caption: artist’s impression of a Brazilian Butt Lift/ Photo credit: BBC)

Up next
Jun 2024
Trending is moving to the Documentary Podcast
BBC Trending's podcast feed is closing, but we'll be publishing new episodes in the BBC World Service's Documentary Podcast from now on. Search for The Documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts, and subscribe to get new episodes of BBC Trending along with a range of exciting ... Show More
43s
Jun 2024
Colombia’s guerrilla recruitment video problem
Fighters from dissident armed groups in Colombia are using TikTok to glorify their lives as guerrillas and recruit youngsters.These armed groups didn't like the terms of a peace treaty negotiated between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the government in 2016 ... Show More
18m 6s
Jun 2024
The Kenyan influencer championing climate denial
Jusper Machogu is a farmer from southwestern Kenya who describes himself as a “climate sceptic”: he wrongly claims that climate change is a “scam” or a “hoax” designed to hold Africa back. On social media, he has also become known as a staunch defender of fossil fuel exploration ... Show More
18m 7s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Why is labiaplasty on the rise in Brazil?
A quick warning before listening: in this episode we’re talking about female genitals, in quite a lot of detail.Brazil has the highest number of plastic surgery operations in the world and it’s where the BBL, Brazilian Butt Lift, comes from. It’s also seeing a spike in demand for ... Show More
14m 37s
Feb 2025
Maddy MacRae on a $15k debt, being a slice of bread and her viral stomach
Maddy MacRae has over 3.5 million followers across her social media accounts, but surprisingly has spent years facing rejection and chasing acting gigs. With $15k debt, multiple hospitality jobs, and a faltering passion for her acting career, she broke into the influencer space a ... Show More
33m 48s
Aug 2024
Chappell Roan, the cult of celebrity, and fans going too far + Headlines
Mid-west princess and pop megastar Chappell Roan says some fan behavior is ‘abusive’, bordering on ‘harassment’, and ‘weird’. In a series of TikToks posted to her account, the singer has outlined her immense discomfort at the behaviors of fans approaching her on the street, deman ... Show More
20m 54s
Apr 2024
CMAT on body image, fluctuating weight and Ozempic diets
To open a new mini series on Bodies we welcome boundary pushing musician, CMAT whose low cut, bum crack exposing dress created one of the most viral moments at the BRIT Awards this year. Her unapologetic attitude towards body image caused a storm on the internet attracting a wave ... Show More
50m 22s
Aug 2024
Stunt philanthropy: Who is it really good for?
MrBeast is the world's biggest YouTuber with more than 300 million subscribers. He’s built an empire partly through so-called “stunt philanthropy,” where he surprises people with large sums of money or gifts. MrBeast has given waiters thousand-dollar tips, gifted people new cars ... Show More
15m 12s
Jul 13
Beauty and the tweaks: is everyone you know using fillers and Botox?
New figures show the beauty industry is growing four times faster than the wider economy. The fastest growth is in beauty services and non-invasive treatments. These ‘injectables’ that freeze or fill your face are becoming more and more mainstream in the UK, even among women in t ... Show More
28m 7s
Apr 2025
The Psychology of Likable Celebrities: Who Has It & Who Fakes It feat. Sabrina Bendory
This week Sabrina Bendory joins me to talk about the MOST likable celebrities. From Conan O'Brien to Emma Stone and Keke Palmer and more, we discuss why some celebrities are universally liked by almost everyone, why they're so well liked, and how we as normal folk can look to the ... Show More
1h 22m
Aug 21
Why fake weddings are India’s latest party trend
The big fat 'fake' Indian wedding is social media’s latest party trend. Fake wedding parties have taken the world and social media by storm with people getting together to enjoy all the fun of a wedding party: the food, Bollywood music, dancing and glamorous outfits. But there ar ... Show More
10m 5s
Sep 2024
The changing world of women's magazines
Women’s magazines collectively reach millions of readers each month. Beyond their influence in fashion, these publications are pivotal in addressing critical women's issues and advocating for empowerment. Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to two magazine editors to explore their appro ... Show More
26m 28s
Jul 2024
The Happy Pod: South Korea's Samba diplomat
Ambassador Lim Ki-mo started singing Brazilian songs at public events to raise spirits during the covid pandemic. Videos posted online went viral and he was invited to perform at a famous Samba club in Rio. He tells us it's an expression of his joy and love for Brazil but he neve ... Show More
27m 17s