Mini-drama series offers health benefits based on science

The female lead, played by 26-year-old Guo Jing, has filmed micro-dramas for more than a year. Guo believes this project goes beyond casual entertainment. The experience also changed her perspective.

"I do not have a slim body type, and on camera, I look heavier. Our industry prioritizes thinness, and many actors resort to unhealthy crash diets. I was extremely anxious," she says. "But this show helped me make peace with myself. Beauty takes many forms, slender or full-figured. What matters is health. This series teaches proper training and healthy habits, which benefit all of us."

Filming also taught her proper techniques: "There's a scene where I slim down through training. The instructor showed us how to lift weights correctly in slow, controlled movements that activate the muscles. I learned as we filmed."

Wang Mengdie, assistant researcher at the science institute and one of the show's supervisors, was involved from concept development to script review and on-site training. After years in science-based fitness education, she has long sought more engaging formats to teach people.

"We've tried many traditional methods, like offline activities, animated explainers, expert lectures, and livestreams. This year, we also collaborated with science influencers," she says.

"We want to create content that is engaging and allows people to enjoy themselves while learning correct health concepts and knowledge."

To ensure accuracy, writers were given a set of science-based fat-reduction principles and their drafts were reviewed by multiple experts. During filming, professional instructors were on set to correct movements and posture and maintain scientific rigor.

The team has also compiled a fitness and fat-loss outline. As each episode airs, a companion handbook will be released to help viewers fully understand the concepts.

"Because episode length is limited, the handbook provides detailed explanations and allows viewers to practice safely," Wang says. "We'll continue exploring new ways to communicate the science."

Zhang Jie, who is in charge of mini-dramas at Migu, says the series is expected to launch domestically at the end of this year or early next year, before being distributed on overseas short-video platforms, covering more than 200 countries and regions.

"There's strong global interest in sports content. With its fresh, entertaining perspective, I believe this series will resonate with international audiences," she says.