Since late August, Arashi Vision has been awarding employees 500 CNY for every 0.5 kg of weight lost. Conversely, those who gain weight face a penalty of 800 CNY for every 0.5 kg gained. "We want our employees to remember that, besides work, health is also very important," a company representative said.

The company's weight-loss challenge has generated buzz on social media, with many praising the initiative and expressing interest in working for Arashi Vision.

Successful weight-loss participants at Arashi Vision Inc in 2025. Photo: Handout

Successful weight-loss participants at Arashi Vision Inc in 2025. Photo: Handout

Employee Xie Yaqi lost 20 kg in three months, earning a 20,000 CNY bonus and the title of "Weight Loss Champion." Her secret? A strict diet and 1.5 hours of daily exercise.

"I believe this is the time to become the best version of myself. This is not just for beauty, but also for health," Xie said. After her win, she shared her weight-loss regimen in the company chat group to inspire colleagues. "The first day, I only drank soy milk. The second day, I ate corn, the third day fruit, and the following days I alternated between protein and vegetables," she wrote.

Since 2022, Arashi Vision has run seven such challenges, awarding nearly two million CNY in total. In the first half of 2025, nearly 100 employees participated, collectively losing 950 kg and sharing a one million CNY prize pool.

The Arashi Vision challenge has been recognized as a "national initiative," with the government encouraging its wider adoption. In June 2024, China launched "Weight Management Year" as part of a three-year plan (2024-2026). This initiative, led by the National Health Commission and 16 other agencies, aims to promote scientific fitness and curb the nation's rising rates of overweight and obesity.

Thanh Thanh (Hindustan Times, SCMP)