Doctor’s 25kg weight loss in 42 days goes viral, wins multiple bodybuilding titles

Dubai: A Chinese doctor who lost 25 kilograms in just 42 days has taken social media by storm after winning multiple awards at a bodybuilding competition, South China Morning Post reported.

Wu Tiangen, 31, a surgeon at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, embarked on a rigorous fitness journey after gaining weight due to a sedentary hospital lifestyle. Recognising the importance of leading by example for his patients, Wu decided to prioritise his own health and fitness.

Bodybuilding champion

His dramatic transformation led him to compete in the Tianrui Cup Fitness and Bodybuilding Match in Guangdong province this January, where he was the only doctor among the participants.

Standing 182cm tall and weighing 73.5kg, Wu won championship titles in the newcomer and fit models categories, along with the title of the most popular participant, according to the contest’s organiser, Tianrui Culture, as reported by People’s Daily.

Wu considers bodybuilding an extension of his profession, as he primarily treats obese patients through surgical interventions. However, he wasn’t always in shape himself—his lack of exercise and irregular eating habits led to a fatty liver diagnosis in 2023, with his weight peaking at 97.5kg last year. Concerned about his health, he decided to take action.

“If I can’t save myself, how can I save others?” he was quoted as saying.

Wu devised a strict fitness plan to shed fat and build muscle in a short period. His routine includes two hours of exercise daily, split between an early morning aerobic session at 5:30 am and an evening workout after work. Ahead of competitions, he intensifies his training to four hours a day.

His coach, Shi Fan—a top Chinese athlete and IFBB World Fit Model champion—praised Wu’s dedication, noting that his training intensity surpasses that of many professional athletes.

Inspiring patients

Wu believes his transformation sets an example for his patients, reinforcing trust in scientific weight-loss methods. Over the years, he has helped around 100 people successfully lose weight and advocates for a sustainable approach to fitness.

“You need a long-term plan for weight loss and must stick to it,” Wu advised. “I don’t support extreme, short-term diets that require eating very little. A healthy lifestyle involves adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a relaxed mindset.”