Beijing, China — In the midst of a national push towards healthier lifestyles, 47-year-old marketing director Gao Lilong has become an inspiring figure after losing 28 kilograms in just four months.
During a recent news conference in Beijing, Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission (NHC), announced plans to establish more weight management clinics across the Chinese mainland. The initiative aims to address alarming statistics from a 2020 NHC report, which found that 34.3% of adults were overweight and 16.4% were obese. Projections suggest these rates could reach 65.3% by 2030.
Amid this national wellness wave, Gao’s transformation stands out. Hailing from Tangshan in Hebei Province, his struggles with weight began in junior high school when he weighed 135 kg. Despite efforts over the years, his weight fluctuated, peaking at 145 kg in 2009 when high blood pressure became a serious concern.
Determined to turn his life around, Gao embarked on a rigorous training regimen, shedding 45 kg in eight months. However, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic saw him slip back into unhealthy habits. It wasn’t until he moved to Saudi Arabia for work last year that he recommitted to his health.
Starting in June at 138 kg, Gao meticulously planned his diet and exercise routine. He taught himself about nutrition, calculated his basal metabolic rate, and focused on a balanced intake of proteins and dietary fiber while controlling portions. Sugary drinks and excess carbohydrates were off the menu, even if it meant cutting down on his favorite dumplings.
His exercise regimen was equally disciplined. Without access to a gym, Gao got creative, using large bottles filled with water or sand for strength training and dedicating his evenings to aerobics.
The results were astonishing. By October, he weighed 110 kg. When Gao returned to China to visit his family, his transformation left them speechless. “My daughter couldn’t recognize me,” he recalled with a smile. “She asked where the big-bellied dad had gone.”
Gao’s colleagues were equally inspired. Two of them embarked on their own weight loss journeys, each shedding around 10 kg. His company, China MCC22 Group Corp. Ltd., embraced the wellness culture by hosting sporting events to encourage healthy living among staff.
“I think the reason for my weight gain was a combination of personal lifestyle choices and work environment,” Gao explained. “I often worked overtime and had irregular schedules, which led to overeating.”
Now, having achieved his goal, Gao aims to maintain his weight and increase muscle mass through strength training. He hopes his story motivates others to take control of their health.
“Losing weight is one of the few things you can control to change your fate,” he said. “Don’t be embarrassed to start, and don’t care about other people’s opinions. The process may be challenging, but the result is worth it. For your family and for yourself, start today.”
Gao’s journey mirrors the broader shift in China towards prioritizing health and wellness. With national initiatives and inspiring stories like his, there’s hope for a healthier future for all.
