31-year-old Chinese surgeon loses 25 kg in 42 days, wins bodybuilding awards

Wu Tiangen, 31, of Zhongnan Hospital, competed in the Tianrui Cup Fitness and Bodybuilding Match held in Guangdong last month, according to the South China Morning Post. Standing at 182 cm and weighing 73.5 kg after his transformation, Wu clinched the championship title in the newcomer group, as reported by the competition’s organizer, Tianrui Culture.

Previously diagnosed with fatty liver in 2023, Wu weighed 97.5 kg last year. Concerned about his declining health, he embarked on an intensive regimen aimed at reducing fat and building muscle, the People’s Daily reported.

His plan included exercising for at least two hours daily, with training sessions four times a day in the weeks before the competition, and ensuring he got six hours of sleep each night.

Wu's coach, Shi Fan, a former champion at the FBB World Fit Model Championships in Lithuania, guided him through the transformation. Wu noted that his personal health journey also serves as an example for his patients, many of whom struggle with obesity.

According to the World Health Organization data, 8% of Chinese are considered obese, higher than neighboring Japan and South Korea, but far lower than the United States' 42% rate.

A person is considered obese when they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, as defined by the WHO. Those with BMI of 25 or higher are considered overweight.