Archive · 2 Jan 2026
China's 'Fat Prisons' for Obesity Treatment
In China, there are special camps called 'fat prisons' where people go to lose weight.
These camps are like schools but for losing weight.
People stay inside and do lots of exercise every day, like running, lifting weights, and dancing.
They also eat healthy food and are weighed every day.
One woman from Australia shared her experience.
She said she lost weight quickly and made friends.
These camps are becoming popular because many people in China are struggling with being overweight.
Some people think these camps are a good way to lose weight, while others think it's too extreme.
Obese individuals in China are enrolling in 'fat prisons' for rigorous weight-loss programs with mandatory weigh-ins and structured exercise routines.
These camps operate in repurposed facilities or campuses across China and are either privately owned or government-affiliated.
Participants engage in intense physical activities such as boxing, cardio, weightlifting, and spin classes, with a strict daily schedule and controlled diet.
An Australian woman, Eggeats, shared her experience, detailing the camp's routine, accommodations, and her weight loss progress.
The camps are growing in popularity as China faces a rising obesity epidemic, with 16.4% of adults obese and 34.3% overweight in 2019.
- Who
- Obese individuals, including adults and children, from various countries, including an Australian woman named Eggeats
- What
- A rigorous weight-loss program in 'fat prisons' or camps in China
- When
- Ongoing, with courses lasting up to a month
- Where
- Repurposed facilities or campuses across China, affiliated with commercial enterprises or the government
- Why
- To address significant weight loss goals after failing other methods, driven by China's rising obesity epidemic and the booming beauty industry
- Location
- China
- Cost
- $1,000 (Rs 90,110) per month
- Duration
- Up to one month
- Activities
- Boxing, cardio, treadmill, aerobics, weightlifting, spin classes
- Daily Routine
- 7:30 AM wake-up, 8 AM weigh-in, structured exercise and meals
- Participants
- Adults and children from various countries
- Obesity Rates in China (2019)
- 16.4% obese, 34.3% overweight
- Camp Features
- Concrete walls, steel gating, electric wiring, 24/7 security