Looking attractive is only one aspect of fitness; other goals include feeling better, living longer, and being your best self. Over the years, more people have realised the transformative power of a healthy lifestyle. It has aided people in overcoming health problems, gaining self-esteem, and finding happiness in their bodies. Many passionate voices have risen to the forefront of this movement as awareness has grown, sharing their personal stories, inspiring others, and creating communities and brands centred around wellness and fitness.

Bunmi George, a dietitian and fitness professional, is one of those powerful voices. She founded the fitness and nutrition company ShredderGang, which has assisted more than 85,000 people in reaching their personal fitness goals. George and her brand have had a significant impact through meal planning, exercise regimens, and health education, particularly for those who struggle with diabetes, PCOS, and poor eating habits. She has built a strong community of people taking charge of their lives and transforming their bodies.

In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Bunmi George discusses her passion for fitness and the journey of building her fitness company. She opens up about what drives her, the ups and downs of her career, and her hopes for the future of wellness in Nigeria.

 

How has your health and wellness industry journey evolved over the years? 

ShredderGang’s journey in the health and wellness space is one of vision, resilience, and heart. It started as something deeply personal—my own story of transformation. After shedding 55kg through discipline, lifestyle changes, and a deep commitment to my health, I felt called to help others experience that same freedom. With no capital, just passion and purpose, we began offering guidance—first to individuals, then to a growing community. Over the years, ShredderGang has evolved from a personal wellness journey into Nigeria’s leading health and fitness community. It’s not just about weight loss. It’s about confidence. It’s about healing. It’s about giving people tools to take ownership of their health, especially women navigating seasons like PCOS, postpartum recovery, and hormonal imbalance. ShredderGang’s impact is undeniable. And the beauty of it all? It’s rooted in my heart for service. I like to believe I’ve built a solid brand, but more than that, it’s a movement. One that says: your wellness journey is valid, your body is capable, and you are not alone.

 

What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about diet and fitness? 

You hear it all the time: stop eating carbs. Carbohydrates are not the enemy. Your body needs them for energy, especially if you’re active. It’s more about quality than quantity—whole grains, fruits, and veggies are very different from sugary snacks and white bread. You have to be perfect to see results. Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. You don’t need a 100% clean diet to be healthy. 80/20 balance is often more realistic and sustainable; that’s what I preach. “Lifting weights will make women bulky.” This one’s a classic myth. Women don’t typically have the testosterone levels needed to “bulk up” easily. Strength training actually helps with fat loss, bone health, and a lean, toned physique.

 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

There’s something powerful about watching a person reclaim their energy, confidence, and health through better nutrition. Whether it’s managing diabetes, healing gut issues, or simply feeling better in their body—being part of that journey is deeply fulfilling.

What inspired the creation of ShredderGang? 

The creation of ShredderGang was born out of something deeply personal to me: my own transformation story. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to start a wellness brand—I lived the journey first. After struggling with my weight and eventually losing 55kg through intentional lifestyle changes, I realised just how powerful and life-giving proper nutrition, movement, and mindset could be. But more than that, I saw the gap—especially for women in the Nigerian market —between wanting to live healthier and having access to real, relatable, and sustainable solutions that were culturally specific. So I took what I had (which at the time wasn’t much—no big capital, no fancy platform) and started helping others do the same. At the heart of ShredderGang is this belief: “If I can do it, you can too—and you don’t have to do it alone.” It was inspired by empathy, fueled by passion, and built on the idea that wellness should be accessible, honest, and empowering—not intimidating or exclusive.

 

What’s the biggest challenge in running a professional nutrition and fitness company? 

In nutrition and fitness, everybody is different. What works for one client might not work for another. So, to be effective, your services need to be highly personalised—custom plans, one-on-one attention, and detailed assessments. But the moment you try to grow—serving more clients, building programs, adding team members—you’re pulled toward standardisation for efficiency. That tension between giving each person the care they need and building a business that can run without burning out the founder? That’s one of the hardest lines to walk. Client Mindset And Consistency- Helping clients stay consistent is often harder than educating them. Many people come in expecting quick fixes, and it takes emotional energy and skill to reframe that and keep them motivated long-term.

 

What keeps you motivated to continue doing what you do?

Vision and Purpose: I got a vision for my business—something that matters deeply to me. Whether it’s changing lives, creating something unique, or serving my community, my why is a powerful motivator. Impact on Others: Seeing how my products or services improve people’s lives is one of the most rewarding parts of being a business owner. When I help someone solve a problem, feel better, or achieve something, it reinforces why I started in the first place.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the health and wellness industry?  

I really admire and learn a lot from Dr. Mindy Pelz especially because I’m interested in women’s hormonal health and functional nutrition—she breaks down complex science in ways that empower women to take charge of their bodies, especially through seasons like PCOS, fertility, and metabolic health.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the fitness and diet industry in Nigeria? 

Cutting through the noise. There’s so much misinformation online —fad diets, influencers, quick fixes. It’s hard to stand out as a credible, science-based brand without sounding “boring” or too clinical to the general audience. There’s also a lot of irregulation in the health space in Nigeria —especially with claims, supplements that cause more harm than good. I’m hoping in the next year or so, we can crack down on just anybody selling health products in the name of weight loss for the safety of all Nigerians.

 

How can people navigate diet trends and fads to find what truly works for them?

Start With You, Not the Trend.

It’s important to ask yourself

  • What are my goals? (More energy? Weight management? Better digestion?)
  • What are my values? (Plant-based? Cultural foods? Simplicity?)
  • What’s my health context? (Any medical conditions, sensitivities, or family history?)

Trends don’t know your life. But you do.

Trends often have a grain of truth (e.g., less sugar, more whole foods), but they get marketed as all-or-nothing.

Instead of copying a plan exactly, look at the principles behind it, and ask:

  • What part of this makes sense for me?
  • What can I keep or tweak to make it sustainable?

What advice do you have for people struggling with weight loss or managing health conditions like PCOS and diabetes? 

Your body is not your enemy. Even if it feels like it’s “betraying” you, it’s doing its best to protect and adapt. Start with respect, not punishment. Healing happens in safety, not shame. Start with love. Move with wisdom. Stay consistent. Get support. You are not broken. Your journey is valid. And your body is still worthy—right now.

What’s your take on the growing influence of social media in shaping people’s views on health and fitness? 

Social media is one of the biggest influences on how people view health and fitness today—and it’s both powerful and problematic. People are seeing real stories, diverse bodies, and everyday wins. That’s powerful—especially for those who never saw themselves represented in traditional wellness spaces. But also, it’s problematic because everyone’s an expert online—some without any credentials. From “what I eat in a day” videos to miracle detoxes, people are getting advice that can be harmful, especially if they have underlying conditions.

 

What’s one fitness or nutrition myth you’d love to debunk for good?

“You have to earn your food through exercise.” This mindset—that you need to “burn off” what you eat, or that food is a reward for working out—is one of the most toxic and deeply rooted myths out there. Food is fuel. Food is nourishment. Food is joy. You don’t have to earn it, justify it, or feel bad about it. And movement is a gift, not a debt collector. You can move because you love your body—not because you hate what you ate.

 

What else would you be passionate about if you weren’t in this field? 

If I had to choose another path besides being a dietitian, I’d probably be a dentist—because just like in nutrition, I’m passionate about preventive health, helping people feel confident in themselves, and paying attention to the little details that make a big difference. There’s something so fulfilling about helping people feel good from the inside out—whether it’s through nourishing their bodies or brightening their smiles.

 

How do you unwind and relax outside of work?

Honestly, I cherish the simple, grounding moments. Time with my family—especially the kids—is everything. Their laughter, questions, and pure joy remind me of what really matters. I love carving out quiet moments to just breathe—whether it’s journaling, worship, prayer, or just sitting still. That’s when I find clarity again. I also draw strength from deep, unfiltered conversations with my people—the kind that fills your soul, not just your calendar. And sometimes? I let myself do absolutely nothing. No expectations. No output. Just rest. Because I’ve learned that rest is holy too.

Onah Nwachukwu
Onah Nwachukwu
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A lawyer by training, Onah packs over a decade of experience in both editorial and managerial capacities.
Nwachukwu began her career at THISDAY Style before her appointment as Editor of HELLO! NIGERIA, the sole African franchise of the international magazine, HELLO!
Thereafter, she served as Group Editor-in-Chief at TrueTales Publications, publishers of Complete Fashion, HINTS, HELLO! NIGERIA and Beauty Box.

Onah has interviewed among others, Forbes’ richest black woman in the world, Folorunso Alakija, seven-time grand slam tennis champion, Roger Federer, singer Miley Cyrus, Ex Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio while coordinating interviews with Nigerian football legend, Jayjay Okocha, and many more.

In the past, she organised a few publicity projects for the Italian Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria under one time Consul General, Stefano De Leo. Some other brands under her portfolio during her time as a Publicity Consultant include international brands in Nigeria such as Grey Goose, Martini, Escudo Rojo, Chivas, Martell Absolut Elix, and Absolut Vodka.

Onah currently works as the Editor of TheWill DOWNTOWN.