Singaporean interior designer Alexis Tan traveled to a weight-loss camp in Dongguan, China, after seeing social media posts. The structured program helped her lose four kilograms in two weeks, building on her own previous efforts.
The camps enforce strict daily routines. Participants wake early for cardio and complete up to five exercise sessions throughout the day. Meals focus on lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains, with outside food deliveries banned.
While overseas participants are still a minority, camp operators report growing interest, especially from Singapore and Malaysia. A 28-day stay in Beijing costs between $590 and $890.
The trend aligns with China's national weight management campaign launched in 2024. Over half of Chinese adults are now classified as overweight or obese.
Medical experts caution that such camps require proper supervision. "It has to be done carefully... a camp that runs too aggressively can cause harm," said Dr. Charles Poon of Raffles Hospital Beijing. He stressed the importance of medical pre-assessments for certain individuals.
The ultimate goal is long-term habit formation. Tan noted the mindset shift is sustainable, even if the intensive routine is not.