Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A fitness training centre in China is offering a used Porsche Panamera to anyone who can shed 50kg in three months
According to Wang, a fitness coach, the gym's promotional poster has gained significant interest.
"The challenge is real and already underway, and registration will close once we reach 30 participants. So far, around seven or eight people have signed up," he told Xiang Yang Video, according to South China Morning Post.
The reward is a Porsche Panamera, a 2020 model that belongs to the gym owner.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits TimesParticipants have to pay 10,000 yuan (RM5,900) to register for the controversial weight loss challenge
The fee covers meals and accommodation.
The challenge will take place in an enclosed training environment, with participants expected to share rooms.
However, the gym did not disclose any details about the training regime, dietary plans, or criteria for achieving the weight loss goal.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits Times / FreepikMany health experts have criticised the controversial weight loss challenge, describing it as extreme and posing several health risks
One of the critics is Dr Zeng, a medical influencer who has over 3.5 million followers on Weibo.
"Losing 0.5kg per day is far too fast. Unless someone is severely overweight, this pace leads to muscle loss rather than fat reduction, which can cause hormonal imbalances, hair loss, and even amenorrhoea in women. A safer target is losing around 0.5kg per week," he said.
Meanwhile, Pu Yansong, a gastrointestinal surgeon at Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, said that losing weight at such a rapid pace can strain organs and may even be life-threatening.
"Scientific weight loss should be gradual, allowing the brain, body fat, muscles, and organs to adapt to the new energy balance."
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits Times / FreepikMany people online have voiced their scepticism
Some claimed that the fitness centre's owner will be able to buy a second new car due to the challenge's hefty fee.
"The point is, no one can actually achieve this. Losing 50kg in three months? You'll lose the person, not just the weight. But with a 10,000-yuan registration fee, the organiser could buy a new car while still saving the used one. In the end, he makes a fortune. Such a smart marketing plan," a user online remarked.
