Nearly 1,000 weight-loss centers known as “obesity prisons” have emerged across China, where participants pay around $600 a month to follow an almost military-style regimen.
The program includes two mandatory weigh-ins a day, four hours of intense exercise and a total ban on junk food, all under the strict supervision of trainers who even prevent participants from leaving the facility. Those who fail to lose enough weight can also face aggressive interrogations, constant surveillance and disciplinary punishments for not keeping up with the routines.
Although some participants, like influencer TL Huang, manage to lose weight quickly (13 lbs in one month), experts warn that these practices are extremely dangerous, as they can cause severe muscle loss, bone damage and eating disorders.
Despite the risks, these camps continue to grow in a society where being overweight often leads to workplace and social discrimination. 😓