• Strict programs promise fast results under tight discipline
• Health concerns clash with high interest in the experience

Social media in China is flooded with videos of “intensive weight-loss camps,” residential programs that have sparked major debate due to their strict daily routines.

These camps target people struggling with obesity, with participants joining voluntarily for a fee and following military-style training under close supervision, though they are not legal correctional institutions.

Days begin at dawn with two daily weigh-ins and an intensive schedule lasting several hours. Activities include aerobics, weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and stationary cycling, with some participants exercising up to 12 hours daily.

Meals are tightly controlled, with portions strictly measured. Videos show simple breakfasts of boiled eggs, vegetables, and a small slice of bread, while lunch and dinner feature lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and a single piece of fruit.

An Australian content creator documented her stay at a camp near Guangzhou, explaining that participants sign contracts mandating compulsory training, prohibiting outside food, and restricting departures to valid reasons. Some facilities are fenced with locked gates throughout the program.

Supporters praise the experience for its speed and strict structure, appealing to viewers seeking rapid results without expensive personal trainers or diets.

Meanwhile, health authorities and nutrition experts warn that extreme weight-loss methods carry risks. Organizations including the World Health Organization stress that sustainable results depend on a balance of healthy diet, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes.

Experts also note that many of these programs lack clear scientific foundations and can backfire without proper medical supervision and psychological support, emphasizing that rapid weight loss does not necessarily improve overall health.