Extreme Wedding Diet Plan Leads to Prediabetes Diagnosis for Chinese Woman
A 26-year-old woman from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province in southeastern China has been diagnosed with prediabetes after following what she described as a "devil weight-loss plan" to achieve a slimmer appearance for her best friend's wedding ceremony. The case highlights the serious health risks associated with extreme dieting practices.
The Drastic Weight-Loss Journey
The woman, identified as Xiaoyu, weighed approximately 65 kilograms before embarking on her aggressive weight-loss regimen. Motivated by her role as a bridesmaid, she designed an extreme plan that eliminated all staple foods from her diet, surviving primarily on small portions of vegetables and chicken breast.
Alongside this restrictive eating pattern, Xiaoyu pursued high-intensity workouts with remarkable dedication, sometimes running more than 10 kilometers daily. Within just two months, this extreme combination helped her shed nearly 15 kilograms, bringing her weight down to 50 kilograms just before the wedding celebration.
Warning Signs and Medical Diagnosis
Despite initially being pleased with her dramatic physical transformation, Xiaoyu soon began experiencing concerning symptoms that prompted medical attention. She reported constant fatigue, intense thirst and hunger, along with episodes of dizziness and heart palpitations.
After seeking treatment at the Endocrinology Department of Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Associate Chief Physician Cheng Boning arranged comprehensive testing. The results revealed that Xiaoyu's fasting blood glucose and two-hour glucose tolerance levels exceeded normal ranges, meeting clinical criteria for prediabetes.
Medical Analysis of the Extreme Approach
Dr. Cheng identified serious issues with Xiaoyu's weight-loss methodology, describing her approach as dangerously excessive. "She had almost completely eliminated carbohydrates from her diet while engaging in high-intensity exercise," Cheng explained. "This extreme strategy disrupted her insulin secretion, led to significant muscle and water loss and severely damaged her metabolism."
The physician emphasized that such extreme dietary restrictions combined with intense physical activity can create metabolic disturbances that may lead to prediabetes, even in individuals without previous health concerns.
Recovery and Revised Treatment Plan
Following the diagnosis, medical professionals adjusted Xiaoyu's treatment approach completely. They advised a return to balanced meals containing appropriate carbohydrates and recommended moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with limited anaerobic training.
After three months of following this revised, healthier plan, Xiaoyu's weight stabilized at a more sustainable 52.5 kilograms, and her overall health condition showed significant improvement. Her case serves as a cautionary example of how extreme weight-loss methods can backfire with serious health consequences.
Social Media Reaction and Public Discussion
The incident sparked widespread discussion on mainland Chinese social media platforms, with many users expressing shock at the extreme measures taken for wedding preparation. One user commented: "I thought brides were the ones who went all out, but it turns out the bridesmaids go even harder."
Another wrote: "Even actual brides are not this extreme." A third user questioned the medical aspects, suggesting: "At 65kg, the body should still have sufficient fat reserves. Cutting carbs usually leads a healthy body to burn fat. How could she develop diabetes? Maybe there were pre-existing pancreatic issues or early signs of diabetes."
This case highlights the growing concern among healthcare professionals about extreme dieting practices, particularly among young women preparing for special events. Medical experts continue to emphasize that sustainable weight management requires balanced nutrition and moderate exercise rather than drastic, potentially harmful measures.
