Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Inside China’s ‘Fat Prison’: Can Extreme Measures Curb Obesity?

<span>Fat prison</span> in China is a trend people are now encountering on their social media channels, where people from China are making videos on what are they being served as their meals. But how much of a "prison" it really is? The Fat prison in reality is a fat camp, where people are voluntarily signing up, because they have realized that the conventional weight loss regime do not necessarily work well. More often than not, gym memberships are abandoned, and diets are not followed through. 

<h2>What Happens In These 'Fat Prison'?</h2>

These "fat prisons" camps follow a military style boot camps that promise rapid weight loss through strict diets. Here, people who sign up are constantly put under surveillance and the structure is designed to ensure participants do not leave or sneak in food.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/5-exercises-to-age-better-know-what-they-are-article-153433478" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">5 Exercises To Age Better, Know What They Are</a> 

Since 2000, the number of obese children in China has quadrupled. Official figures suggest that more than half of China's adults are now overweight. The situation is no longer a body image issue, but a public health crisis. 

“Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from WHO and national public health agencies. Importantly, it requires the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products," said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

<h2>How Does China's Fat Prison Work?</h2>

These fat prisons or camps resemble military boot camps more than health clubs. Here, the days start early, with a roll call and weigh-ins. Here, phones are not allowed to the individuals, rooms are shared, and surveillance is constant. 

Over the course of 28 days, individuals are expected to take up to 72 classes in total. These include HIIT or high intensity interval training, spinning, boxing, and endurance cardio. Professional trainers also monitor individuals' form, pace, and attendance. They also follow up on their progress.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/is-it-illegal-to-be-fat-in-japan-do-fat-people-pay-tax-fact-check-does-japan-have-a-fat-law-article-153272418" data-type="tilCustomLink">Fact Check: Does Japan Have A Fat Law?</a> 

There are fixed timings for meals, and the portions are decided by staff. What may surprise many is that the food here is not liquid shakes, as many people popularly think weight loss diets consists. Menus usually feature traditional Chinese meals which are prepared with less oil and sugar. Second helpings are allowed, but snacking outside the meal is strictly forbidden. 

Participants are also weighed twice daily. This is done once in the morning and again in the evening. Progress is also tracked publicly, which creates a pressure to achieve the weight goal. 

<h2>A Lived Experience In China's Fat Prison</h2>

A 28-year-old creator living in China, Eggeats documented her month-long stay in China's fat prison. She claimed that she paid roughly around $1,500 for the entire programme. This includes accommodation, food, and training. 

In contrast to Western cities, the sum would not even cover a few weeks of boutique <span>fitness</span> classes. Thus in many ways, this is more practical and affordable.

Eggeats' videos show high concrete walls, iron gates and electric fences that surround the camp. Security guards are also stationed at the entrance, which is why she called this place a "Fat Prison". 

However, her experience bore fruit. From 7.40pm onwards, participants are given free time and Sundays are rest days here. Toilets there are built in traditional way, where one needs to squat while using it. 

For Eggeats, in the first week herself, she said she lost 2.25 kilograms, and a total of 4 kilograms by the end of second week. While the program may be strict, she still recommended the experience for anyone seeking a transition. 

More than half of China’s adult population is now overweight or obese, a proportion projected to rise to nearly two-thirds by 2030—affecting close to 900 million people. Acknowledging the scale of the crisis, National Health Commission Director Lei Haichao announced a nationwide three-year “Year of Weight Management” campaign on March 9, 2025, during the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, marking a move from individual responsibility to government-led, systemic action.

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Fat prison in China is a trend people are now encountering on their social media channels, where people from China are making videos on what are they being served as their meals. But how much of a "prison" it really is? The Fat prison in reality is a fat camp, where people are voluntarily signing up, because they have realized that the conventional weight loss regime do not necessarily work well. More often than not, gym memberships are abandoned, and diets are not followed through. What Happens In These 'Fat Prison'?These "fat prisons" camps follow a military style boot camps that promise rapid weight loss through strict diets. Here, people who sign up are constantly put under surveillance and the structure is designed to ensure participants do not leave or sneak in food.Also Read: 5 Exercises To Age Better, Know What They Are Since 2000, the number of obese children in China has quadrupled. Official figures suggest that more than half of China's adults are now overweight. The situation is no longer a body image issue, but a public health crisis. “Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from WHO and national public health agencies. Importantly, it requires the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products," said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.How Does China's Fat Prison Work?        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by HealthAndMe (@healthandmedotcom)]]>These fat prisons or camps resemble military boot camps more than health clubs. Here, the days start early, with a roll call and weigh-ins. Here, phones are not allowed to the individuals, rooms are shared, and surveillance is constant. Over the course of 28 days, individuals are expected to take up to 72 classes in total. These include HIIT or high intensity interval training, spinning, boxing, and endurance cardio. Professional trainers also monitor individuals' form, pace, and attendance. They also follow up on their progress.Read: Fact Check: Does Japan Have A Fat Law? There are fixed timings for meals, and the portions are decided by staff. What may surprise many is that the food here is not liquid shakes, as many people popularly think weight loss diets consists. Menus usually feature traditional Chinese meals which are prepared with less oil and sugar. Second helpings are allowed, but snacking outside the meal is strictly forbidden. Participants are also weighed twice daily. This is done once in the morning and again in the evening. Progress is also tracked publicly, which creates a pressure to achieve the weight goal. A Lived Experience In China's Fat PrisonA 28-year-old creator living in China, Eggeats documented her month-long stay in China's fat prison. She claimed that she paid roughly around $1,500 for the entire programme. This includes accommodation, food, and training. In contrast to Western cities, the sum would not even cover a few weeks of boutique fitness classes. Thus in many ways, this is more practical and affordable.              View this post on Instagram            A post shared by eggeats 🐣 I show you the real side of Asia ✨ (@eggeats)]]> Eggeats' videos show high concrete walls, iron gates and electric fences that surround the camp. Security guards are also stationed at the entrance, which is why she called this place a "Fat Prison". However, her experience bore fruit. From 7.40pm onwards, participants are given free time and Sundays are rest days here. Toilets there are built in traditional way, where one needs to squat while using it. For Eggeats, in the first week herself, she said she lost 2.25 kilograms, and a total of 4 kilograms by the end of second week. While the program may be strict, she still recommended the experience for anyone seeking a transition. Obesity In ChinaMore than half of China’s adult population is now overweight or obese, a proportion projected to rise to nearly two-thirds by 2030—affecting close to 900 million people. Acknowledging the scale of the crisis, National Health Commission Director Lei Haichao announced a nationwide three-year “Year of Weight Management” campaign on March 9, 2025, during the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, marking a move from individual responsibility to government-led, systemic action.