Weight Gain Supplements Lead to Unexpected Weight Loss
A man seeking to gain weight instead experienced significant weight loss after consuming health supplements promoted for weight gain. The individual, identified as Mr. Lu, reportedly weighs 53 kilograms (approximately 117 pounds) with a height of 178 centimeters (about 5 feet 10 inches). This extremely low body weight caused him considerable stress.
Social Media Influencer’s Promises
In March, Mr. Lu encountered an influencer named Chen on social media who claimed to offer products that aid in weight gain. Mr. Lu contacted Chen, who asserted that their products were made from all-natural, traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, were free of side effects, and would improve gastric function to promote weight gain.
Chen requested photos of Mr. Lu’s tongue for a “personalized” consultation, claiming it would help determine his body’s “Qi” balance. After reviewing the photos, Chen diagnosed Mr. Lu with a “mixed state of hot and cold Qi” and proposed a customized “body constitution improvement plan.”
Expensive Supplements and Deteriorating Health
Convinced by the claims, Mr. Lu first paid 4,000 yuan (approximately $900 USD) for a large quantity of powdered supplements. However, after a few days, he noticed no weight gain. Instead, his weight decreased, and he began experiencing dizziness, bloating, and a loss of appetite.
When Mr. Lu reported these side effects, Chen reassured him, stating it was a “detoxification process” and that he needed to consume more of the product for it to be effective. Trusting Chen’s advice, Mr. Lu purchased an additional 6,000 yuan (approximately $1,350 USD) worth of supplements.
Hospitalization and Misdiagnosis
The situation worsened. By late April, Mr. Lu was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain and diagnosed with chronic gastritis. Medical analysis of the supplements he consumed revealed they contained not special medicinal herbs, but simple probiotics and food additives.
Medical professionals stated that the excessive intake of probiotics and food additives likely caused the severe strain on his body, directly leading to his chronic gastritis.
Investigation and Public Reaction
Even after a month of medical treatment, Mr. Lu continued to suffer from unintended weight loss. Realizing he had been defrauded, Mr. Lu reported the influencer to the Shanghai Health Commission for alleged illegal medical practices. The commission has reportedly launched a formal investigation into Chen.
News of the incident has drawn strong reactions from netizens. Many expressed disbelief that an influencer promoting weight gain products was actually selling weight loss supplements. Others criticized Mr. Lu for consulting an unlicensed influencer for serious health issues instead of a medical professional. The general sentiment highlights a growing distrust in health products sold online.
