On 12/8, Arashi Vision Inc., also known as Insta360, launched its "Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge." This annual initiative encourages employees to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise and balanced diets. All employees are eligible to participate. For every 0.5 kg lost, participants receive a cash prize of 500 CNY (approximately $70 USD), a company representative stated.
This year, Gen Z employee Xie Yaqi lost 20 kg in three months, earning a 20,000 CNY (approximately $2,800 USD) cash prize and the title of "Weight Loss Champion." She maintained strict discipline throughout the challenge, meticulously managing her diet and exercising for 1.5 hours daily.
"I believe this is the best time in my life to become the best version of myself. It's not just about beauty, but about health," Xie said.
Xie even shared the "Qin Hao weight loss method" in a group chat to inspire colleagues. This method, used by actor Qin Hao, involves consuming only soy milk on the first day, corn on the second, fruit on the third, and alternating between protein and vegetables on subsequent days, resulting in a 10 kg weight loss in just 15 days.
Since 2022, the company has held seven challenges, awarding almost two million CNY (approximately $280,000 USD) in prizes. In the past year alone, 99 employees participated, collectively losing 950 kg and sharing one million CNY in rewards.
"Through this competition, we aim to promote healthy living and encourage employees to prioritize their well-being beyond work. It's a positive motivation for them to enjoy life and work with a refreshed spirit," the company representative shared.
Interestingly, the challenge also includes a penalty clause. Participants who regain weight must pay 800 CNY for every 0.5 kg gained. So far, no one has been penalized.
Many online users praised the company's innovative approach, with some expressing a desire to join the team. "What are the job requirements? I could work there and just drink water to survive," one commenter quipped. "I'd bankrupt the company. I'd run 10 km every day," another wrote.
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Arashi Vision Inc.'s annual weight-loss competition promotes healthy lifestyles among employees. Photo: Handout |
Arashi Vision Inc.'s annual weight-loss competition promotes healthy lifestyles among employees. Photo: Handout
In 6/2024, China launched "Weight Management Year," led by the National Health Commission and 16 other agencies, to promote scientific exercise and curb the rising rates of overweight and obesity.
Other companies have also launched similar initiatives. In February, WonderLab in Guangdong initiated a month-long weight loss challenge, distributing over 171,000 CNY (over $24,000 USD) in prizes to 224 employees. The individual with the greatest weight loss, 16.4 kg, received 7,600 CNY.
Another company in Zhejiang established a 300,000 CNY (over $42,000 USD) reward fund in April, based on weight loss results. In the first round in May, 100,000 CNY was awarded to 353 people, with a total weight loss of 270 kg.
Binh Minh (Sina)
