As obesity rates climb in China, a growing number of overweight adults are voluntarily enrolling in so-called “fat prisons”—military-style boot camps designed to deliver rapid weight loss through strict diets, intense exercise, and 24/7 supervision that prevents participants from leaving or sneaking snacks.
China’s obesity problem is escalating. Since 2000, the number of obese children has quadrupled, and the government estimates that over half of all Chinese adults are now overweight. With its enormous population, China already has the largest number of overweight or obese people in the world.
In response, private and government-run weight-loss boot camps have proliferated, with more than 1,000 facilities now operating nationwide, often repurposed from old schools or dormitories.
Participants usually commit to month-long stays, though shorter programs exist. Once inside, leaving is tightly controlled: facilities are fenced, some have steel gates or electric wiring, and exits are monitored by security around the clock. Trainers generally recommend the full 28-day program, claiming it delivers the best results. Many camps welcome foreigners, and speaking Mandarin or Cantonese is not required.
Life Inside a “Fat Camp”
Australian influencer Egg Eats, 28, shared a rare inside look at the camps with her 50,000 Instagram followers. She documented a grueling daily schedule, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with wake-up calls and weigh-ins, followed by hours of spinning, boxing, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
By day seven, she had lost 2.25 kg; by day 14, 4 kg. The month-long all-inclusive program cost $1,500 and included four hours of daily exercise across 19 weekly classes—72 classes in total. Participants are weighed twice daily, and meals are carefully portioned to mirror typical Chinese diets, helping prevent binge eating once they leave. Snacking is banned, and trainers regularly check rooms for hidden food, sometimes confiscating what Egg Eats jokingly called “contraband carbohydrates.”
Dorm rooms house up to five people and include shared bathrooms, outdoor laundry, personal desks, and basic storage. While Sundays offer a break from classes, evening spin sessions are still mandatory. Despite the intense routine, Egg Eats said she doesn’t regret signing up and has formed many friendships.
Risks and Controversy
These programs have drawn criticism, particularly following the 2023 death of 21-year-old influencer Cuihua, who weighed 156 kg and documented her weight-loss journey on Douyin, China’s TikTok. She reportedly lost over 27 kg in two months at several camps before her sudden death.
Associate Professor Pan Wang of the University of New South Wales cautioned that extreme programs can be dangerous and called for government oversight of diets and exercise regimes. “Businesses like weight-loss camps are profiting from societal pressure to be thin,” Dr. Wang said.
What’s Driving China’s Obesity Epidemic?
Experts point to rising incomes, greater consumption of high-calorie and fried foods, and more sedentary, high-stress lifestyles. In 2024, China launched a three-year national campaign to combat obesity, encouraging schools to reduce fat, sugar, and salt in meals and urging employers to promote workplace fitness. Under the plan, all primary school students are now required to complete at least two hours of daily physical activity.