An Australian expat has revealed how she survived China‘s military-style ‘fat prison’ after being forced to stay inside the complex for a gruelling 28 days.
TL Huang, 28, claims to be the first Australian ever to have signed up for the rigorous month after her mother recommended it to her.
The weight-loss facility, located in Guangzhou, is surrounded by tall concrete walls, steel gates and electric wiring, while entry and exit points are manned by security, and unhealthy foods such as instant noodles are banned and confiscated on arrival.
Ms Huang said it took a toll on her mental and physical health as she was forced to attend weigh-ins in the mornings and evenings, her meals were controlled by staff, she worked out four hours a day, shared a dormitory and slept on bunk beds.
At one point, she was struck down with the flu and had to be admitted to hospital, describing the moment as ‘miserable’.
China has established a network of commercial and government-affiliated weight-loss ‘prisons’ across the country to address the nation’s growing obesity problem.
More than half of its adult population of 1.22billion are classified as either overweight or obese, according to the latest data.
A National Health Commission report estimated that the figure could rise to two-thirds by 2030.
Aussie content creator TL Huang recently signed up for one of China’s notorious ‘fat prisons’ to get her health back on track
The Aussie expat has no regrets, despite the gruelling toll of the 28-day
Attendees fork out hundreds of dollars to sign up for the program, with Ms Huang spending $600 for the experience.
But Ms Huang, who now lives in Japan and China, told Daily Mail she has no regrets.
‘I had been travelling full-time in Japan/China and due to an inconsistent routine of waking up at different times and eating only food-delivery meals, the stark difference between real life and the fat prison was very noticeable,’ she said.
‘There were strict weigh-in times in the morning that we all had to wake up and be on time for.
‘All workouts were difficult for me as I hadn’t worked out in almost two years, and while I enjoyed the food there, it was a challenge to adjust to clean, small portions.’
Ms Huang said the $600 covered accommodation, food, and workouts.
‘It was a good deal for me because the cost was cheaper than my rent in Melbourne and I wanted to lose weight, restart my routine and also build better habits,’ she said.
‘Mentally, I was able to force myself to build a better routine, and I was able to focus on myself, my health and just showing up for 28 days without worrying about cooking food and what workouts to do.’
The hardest period was week three, when Ms Huang was struck down with influenza and a fever
Having not worked out in two years, Ms Huang found the intense fitness workouts a challenge
While the dormitory-style bunk bed accommodation allowed Ms Huang to make many new friends, she struggled with the squat toilet facilities, which are common across China.
‘I also struggled with the realisation I had to work out 3-4 hours every day for 28 days, it was a big commitment mentally,’ she said.
She ended up losing 6kg in four weeks.
‘I’ve been more active, and I’m more self-aware of the foods I eat and I’ve been more consistent in my daily routines. I walk more and try to be more active everyday,’ she said.
The camps accept people from all over the world and you do not need to speak Chinese or Mandarin to sign up.
While the intense workouts were tough, Ms Huang insists the instructors weren’t strict and that participants were welcome to take a break if struggling or out of breath during a session.
Nor did she have an issue with the facility’s 24/7 security, locked gates and strictly no leaving policy without a valid reason.
TL Huang lost six kilos in 28 days at the fat camp
Lunch was regarded as the main meal of the day. Pictured is one of Ms Huang’s favourite meals
‘I did not mind staying in there,’ she said.
‘I did not leave the compound for three weeks, until I got sick and needed to go to hospital to get medicine.’
She documented life inside the fat prison on social media, admitting in one video the novelty had started to wear off during week three after she was struck down with the flu and a 39C fever.
‘It’s not that fun anymore,’ she captioned the clip.
‘I have less energy to keep exercising for four hours. Now I am sick and miserable and have no energy.’
The video also showed her weighing her lunch so she could track her calorie intake.
‘Not letting the bad moments faze me, just keeping it real,’ she wrote.
Ms Huang previously explained why the facilities were known as ‘prisons’.
The Aussie admitted that China’s fat prisons aren’t for everyone
‘You’re not allowed to leave the area without valid reasons, you may live with bunk mates, every day is regimented and controlled,’ she said.
‘The gate is closed 24/7 and you can’t sneak out.’
In terms of meals, lunches were regarded as the main meal of the day. Options included prawns with vegetables, duck, chilli steamed fish, and braised chicken with black rice.
Ms Huang’s videos sparked a divided response from viewers.
Many hailed her as an inspiration and commended her on the drastic steps taken to improve her health.
‘I don’t think you know how many of us are planning to learn Mandarin and follow in your footsteps,’ one wrote.
‘You are an inspiration, you are investing in yourself and we are so proud of you.’
Another added: ‘Your pain and frustration is so valid. Thank you for keeping it real. A month is a long time and that’s really intense for any one especially being in a new country and then getting sick on top of it.’
Breakfast often consisted of eggs and vegetables
Others raised concerns, questioning whether it was safe to put the body under such stress in such a short period of time.
‘There’s gotta be a million doctors saying this isn’t healthy,’ one commented.
Another added: ‘With this much activity you should actually be eating more than you think! That’s probably why you got sick.’
A third wrote: ‘Unfortunately camps like these mean you put the weight straight back on as soon as you get out, and sometimes more, unless you can keep up with all the hours of exercise you did there.
‘You’re essentially just torturing yourself for nothing.’
Ms Huang admitted that fat prisons aren’t for everyone.
‘Someone who is seriously looking for a jump-start to their health journey and want to be in a community that has the same goal will enjoy this experience more,’ she said.
TL has no regrets, despite the physical and mental toll the tough regime had on her body
‘I do agree that the fat camp may seem really intense, but personally, stepping out of that camp felt liberating and rewarding because I completed the challenge I gave myself. It’s all about perspective.’
She urged others looking to sign up to do their research first and choose one that has well-maintained facilities.
‘Ask to visit the location before committing to the camp so you are aware of what it’s like in real life,’ she said.
‘I know how hard the first step is when it comes to losing weight, but if you do sign up for a fat prison, just remember it’s an amazing first step to your health journey and it doesn’t matter how much you lose when you get out – it’s the habits, routine and knowledge you build from there that will help you keep going forward.’
