Thobeka Mbane has opened up on the health travails that affected both her life and work. Mbane narrated her experience of living with scoliosis linked to her childhood. She says it has influenced her view of fashion.

“As a creative person with a physical disability, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating an industry that often prioritises able-bodiedness,” Thobeka says.

Mbane talks about the toll this condition had on her. She describes how each phase of her life has required adjustments, such as changes in daily routines, hospital visits, and work.

Photo: Instagram

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She uses her platform to call attention to accessibility barriers in the fashion industry. She has styled popular figures such as Zozibini Tunzi and Sho Madjozi. She also complained about limited opportunities for disabled creatives.

“While there’s been progress in recent years, I believe there’s still much work to be done to create a truly inclusive and affirming environment for disabled creatives and audiences. I think it’s essential for the industry to prioritise accessibility, provide opportunities for disabled creatives to showcase their work, and engage in open and honest dialogue about ableism and its impact on our community.” She said

Photo: Instagram

By speaking honestly about the complexities of living with a long-term condition, issues that are avoided in the creative industry are discussed openly. Her story shows how people can be successful despite their personal struggles.

In sharing her experience, Mbane advocates for inclusion in the industry. Her advocacy focuses on improving accessibility for future creatives with disabilities.

Women’s nutritional needs change with age, but not always in obvious ways. It’s not just hormones or metabolism shifting; it’s also how the body absorbs and uses nutrients. Supplements can help close gaps, but only when used with a clear purpose.

In Your 20s: Laying the Groundwork

In your 20s, the body is still building bone density and stabilising hormonal patterns. A multivitamin can help cover gaps in an inconsistent diet, especially with busy routines.

Vitamin D and calcium are key for bone development and work best together. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain and heart health, while also helping with inflammation.

Iron is another consideration. Menstrual cycles increase the risk of deficiency, often showing up as fatigue.

The priority here is building a solid nutritional base.

In Your 30s: Keeping Up With Demand

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In your 30s, daily demands increase and nutritional needs become more specific. Iron often remains important, particularly alongside B vitamins, which support energy and cognitive function. Collagen levels decline, making it useful for skin and joint support.

Omega-3s continue to support heart health, while probiotics help maintain digestion and immune balance, which can be affected by stress.

Combining nutrients can improve effectiveness. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, while magnesium supports vitamin D. The focus is on maintaining energy and overall function.

In Your 40s: Adjusting to Change

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In your 40s, hormonal changes begin to affect sleep, metabolism and bone health. Calcium and vitamin D help preserve bone strength. Magnesium supports sleep and muscle relaxation, while also contributing to mood balance.

Probiotics support digestion and immune function, while omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 contribute to heart health and energy production.

There is also growing interest in creatine for maintaining muscle strength and supporting cognitive function when combined with exercise. At this stage, supplement use becomes more targeted.

Beyond 50: Supporting Long-Term Health

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After menopause, the body may become less efficient at absorbing nutrients, and the risk of bone loss and cardiovascular issues increases.

Calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2 work together to support bone density. Omega-3 fatty acids continue to support heart and brain health, while B vitamins help maintain energy and neurological function.

Protein intake becomes more important for muscle maintenance, and magnesium can help regulate sleep, mood and immune function.

The focus shifts to maintaining strength and independence.

What Matters More Than Age

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Age-based supplement lists are useful, but they do not tell the full story. Needs vary depending on diet, lifestyle and overall health.

Diet remains the foundation, and supplements should fill specific gaps rather than replace meals. Deficiencies should guide decisions more than age alone, and combining certain nutrients can improve results. At the same time, excessive intake can lead to imbalances.

The Takeaway

Your 20s focus on building. Your 30s centre on maintaining. Your 40s prioritise adjustment. Beyond that, the focus shifts to long-term health.

Supplements can support each stage when used appropriately alongside a balanced diet and consistent lifestyle habits.

Weight gain that happens without a clear change in diet or activity is often treated as a lifestyle issue. However, clinical research points to a more complex possibility: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. One key aspect is its impact on weight. This goes beyond calorie intake and expenditure. Many women with PCOS experience metabolic changes that make weight gain easier and weight loss more difficult.

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A key factor is insulin resistance. The body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. As a result, insulin levels rise, which encourages fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This explains why some women gain weight even when their routines have not changed significantly.

Hormonal imbalance also contributes. Elevated levels of androgens, hormones commonly associated with male physiology, are typical in PCOS. These can affect metabolism and contribute to fat storage. At the same time, irregular ovulation affects how the body regulates energy use.

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PCOS-related weight gain rarely occurs alone. It often appears alongside irregular menstrual cycles, acne, thinning hair on the scalp, or increased hair growth on the face and body. When these symptoms occur together, they form a pattern that should not be ignored.

Early recognition is important. PCOS is associated with a higher risk of long-term conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this context, weight gain signals underlying metabolic issues rather than a cosmetic concern.

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Management varies by individual. Doctors may recommend dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication to improve insulin sensitivity or regulate hormones. The goal is to stabilise the body’s metabolic response over time.

For anyone experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially alongside other symptoms, it is worth seeking medical advice. Identifying PCOS early allows for targeted management and better long-term health outcomes.