So long as your health records show "obesity," you can exchange the weight you lose for beef, beef bones, or oxtail. This is not a movie plot, but an actual activity taking place in the Liangxi district in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province. So far, more than 2,000 people have signed up. The weight loss challenge will continue until December 31, and participants will weigh in and claim prizes from January 1 to 10, 2027.
The event has drawn widespread attention on Chinese social media, breaking beyond its local area. Some traditional methods to promote weight management such as posters or lectures about BMI (Body Mass Index), sugary drinks, or exercise often feel dry. The new approach has been seen as a more practical one - offering something real, something people value in their everyday life. By letting people trade "fat for beef," this campaign transforms losing weight from a boring duty into an active, even fun, pursuit.
The rules for the weight loss challenge are clear: Participants' BMI and waist circumference must meet certain criteria. For every half kilogram lost, participants can exchange that amount for either half a kilogram of beef or one and a half kilograms of beef bones. The more weight lost, the more advanced the prize: Losing one kilogram can be swapped for half a kilogram of oxtail. The total weight loss eligible for these prize exchanges is capped at 10 kilograms per participant. From March 23 to March 27, participants will have their initial weight recorded at a designated venue, where a personal weight loss record will be established, according to the reports.
Organizers explained that the reason for using beef as a reward is that beef helps people who exercise to lose weight build muscle and shape their bodies, which fits with the campaign's goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Reports said that the event is not just a contest to win prizes; it is designed to promote overall health. Organizers will set up online groups for scientific weight loss guidance where participants can check in daily, share low-fat meal ideas, and receive health tips.