'Losing weight is really tough'

Wang Yilong, a 17-year-old who has dropped out of college.

I have been at fat camp for 10 days and have lost 5 kilograms so far. I know that's what people would most love to hear when they come to the camp, but I am even happier to find that I now breathe more easily when walking.

I am 1.74m tall and weigh 120kg. When I took the subway, I felt as though the seats were being squashed because of my shape. My friends called me "fatty" and I didn't find it insulting at all.

Carrying so much fat has really been a big burden on me. I feel exhausted after any minor activity, such as going downstairs, which could not be easier for most people.

When I was studying at Beijing New Media Technical College for four years, I rarely left my dormitory. I once stayed in the dorm for three whole weeks. I slept all day and ordered takeouts when I woke up hungry. Then I went back to bed, either to sleep or to play the mobile game Wangzherongyao, or King of Glory.

When my roommates returned from class, I started playing computer games all night long. I would grab chips or a soft drink whenever I felt like eating. I even bought a small refrigerator and stuffed it with all kinds of snacks for my convenience.

My weight ballooned from 85 kg to 120 kg. I have never liked outdoor activities, but now I simply cannot do them because I have difficulty breathing and feel a constriction in my chest when I exercise. I am only 17, but I'm in a worse condition than a 70-year-old grandpa.

My mom has persuaded me to control my diet and take some exercise, even though she used to hold the firm belief that a boy should put on some weight. She said it was "manly".

Losing weight is really tough. At the training camp, even simple, gentle movements make the floor wet with sweat. But once I am thinner, I will no longer be "fatty" in girls' eyes. Maybe they will even see a potential boyfriend?

Wang Yilong spoke with Wang Keju