A young woman in China who embarked on an aggressive weight-loss journey ahead of her best friend’s wedding has gone viral after her efforts backfired, leaving her diagnosed with prediabetes—a condition often linked to long-term metabolic risks.
The case, reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), has triggered widespread discussion on Chinese social media about the dangers of extreme dieting and unrealistic body expectations tied to social occasions.
Bridesmaid’s ‘Devil Diet’ Turns Risky
The woman, identified as Xiaoyu, is a 26-year-old employee based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Weighing around 65 kg when she was invited to be a bridesmaid, Xiaoyu reportedly felt intense pressure to slim down quickly for the wedding.
Determined to transform her appearance, she adopted what she later described as a “devil weight-loss plan.” Over just two months, Xiaoyu lost nearly 15 kilograms by:
- Running 10 kilometres daily
- Eating only small portions of vegetables and chicken breast
- Almost completely eliminating carbohydrates from her diet
While the results were dramatic, the consequences soon followed.
Crash Diet Disrupts Insulin Function
According to the report, Xiaoyu began experiencing persistent fatigue, dizziness, and extreme hunger. Medical tests revealed elevated fasting blood glucose levels, placing her in the prediabetic range—a warning sign that often precedes Type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged.
She sought treatment at the Endocrinology Department of Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where Associate Chief Physician Cheng Boning evaluated her condition.
“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.”
Doctors noted that while the scale showed rapid weight loss, much of it came at the expense of metabolic stability rather than sustainable fat reduction.
Recovery Through Balance, Not Extremes
Medical professionals advised Xiaoyu to immediately abandon crash dieting and instead adopt a balanced lifestyle that included adequate carbohydrates, rest, and moderated exercise.
After three months of dietary correction and recovery, her condition improved and her weight stabilised at a healthier 52.5 kg, without further metabolic complications.
Social Media Reacts: ‘Bridesmaids Go Harder Than Brides’
The story quickly gained traction on Chinese social media platforms, where users reacted with a mix of shock, humour, and concern.
“I thought brides were the ones who went all out, but it turns out the bridesmaids go even harder,” one user wrote.
Another commented:
“Even actual brides are not this extreme.”
Health experts say the viral response reflects a broader cultural issue—the normalisation of extreme body standards, particularly for young women during milestone events.
A Cautionary Tale on Modern Diet Culture
The incident has reignited conversations around diet culture, social pressure, and the misconception that faster weight loss equals better health. Nutritionists stress that extreme calorie restriction combined with intense exercise can strain hormonal systems, impair insulin response, and cause long-term damage—especially in young adults.
As Xiaoyu’s case illustrates, short-term appearance goals can carry long-term health costs when pursued without medical guidance or nutritional balance.
