Lose 50kg, Win a Porsche? Chinese Gym’s Wild Fitness Challenge Sparks Debate
A gym in China has ignited a firestorm of controversy with an audacious weight-loss challenge: shed 50 kilograms (110 lbs) in four months, and drive home in a luxury Porsche 718 Cayman. The promotion, posted by Henan Province-based “FitDream,” has gone viral, sparking fierce debate over whether it’s a genius motivational tool or a reckless health gamble.
The Challenge: Drop Weight, Win a Dream Car
FitDream’s offer is simple but extreme—participants must lose 50kg in 120 days to claim the Porsche, valued at 600,000 yuan (~$85,000). The catch? Weekly weigh-ins, strict diet oversight, and no room for slip-ups.
“We wanted a reward so thrilling, it would push people past their limits,” the gym’s owner told local media. “A Porsche isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of success.”
But is this ambition dangerous?
Public Backlash: Health Experts Sound the Alarm
While some social media users praised the challenge as “next-level motivation,” medical professionals condemned it.
- WHO guidelines recommend losing 0.5–1kg per week (2–4kg/month) for safe, sustainable results.
- FitDream’s challenge demands 12.5kg/month—3x the safe limit.
“This is crash dieting on steroids,” warns Dr. Li Wen, a Beijing nutritionist. “Rapid weight loss risks gallstones, heart strain, and rebound weight gain.”
Is the Porsche Prize Even Real? Legal Doubts Arise
Skeptics question whether FitDream can deliver:
– What if multiple people hit the target?
– Could this be false advertising?
Legal analyst Zhang Wei notes: “If terms are deceptive, authorities could penalize the gym.”
Fitness or Folly? The Dark Side of Viral Challenges
This stunt reflects a broader trend—gyms and influencers using shock-value promotions to go viral. But psychologists warn such extremes can fuel:
– Disordered eating
– Unrealistic body standards
– Mental health struggles
“Health isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon,” says therapist Chen Yaling.
What Happens Next?
FitDream insists its program includes medical supervision, but regulators are now scrutinizing the promotion. Would you risk your health for a Porsche?
Follow #PorscheChallenge for updates.
