The Son Bac residential community in Liangxi district, Wuxi city, Jiangsu province, has gained social media attention for its "exchange fat for beef" weight loss initiative, according to SCMP on 18/3. This program encourages a self-disciplined lifestyle, promotes health, and fosters a positive work environment.

From 23/3 to 27/3, local health authorities conducted direct weigh-ins and measurements to create individual tracking profiles, following the close of online registration on 20/3. The challenge runs until 31/12 and is exclusively for workers with health or social insurance in the Son Bac area. Organizers set participation criteria for those considered slightly overweight, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) over 23. Women must have a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm, while men must have a waist circumference of 90 cm or more.

Illustration: HK01

From 1/1 to 10/1 next year, organizers will re-evaluate participants' weights to distribute rewards. Participants can convert their weight loss, up to a maximum of 10 kg of excess fat. Specifically, residents who lose 0,5 kg of body weight will receive 0,5 kg of beef or 1,5 kg of beef bones. A 1 kg loss can be exchanged for 0,5 kg of oxtail. Losing 1,5 kg earns 0,5 kg of beef offal, including tripe. A 2 kg reduction is equivalent to a 0,5 kg beef tongue reward. Local officials advise residents to use scientific methods, strictly prohibiting medication or extreme weight loss practices. Participants are fully responsible for their personal health risks.

This local health initiative emerges as the Chinese government determinedly works to improve public health nationwide. In 6/2024, the National Health Commission, alongside 15 ministries and agencies, issued a three-year action plan to control obesity.

Recently, the country's health officials have consistently urged adults to maintain a BMI between 19 and 24 and warned against cooking oil consumption exceeding 40% of the scientifically recommended limit. Son Bac ward's innovative approach quickly went viral on social media, garnering over 65 million views and prompting thousands of internet users in Nanjing and other localities to express their desire for their local governments to adopt this model.

Binh Minh (According to The Paper, SCMP, HK01)

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