Chongqing University students lose weight for charity

Peng Jiaqi (top) and Guo Fei (below) before and after losing weight. [Photos/chinadaily.com.cn]

To encourage students to live a healthy life, Chongqing University in Southwest China organized a one-month battle against fat in May and 328 students lost a total of 1,320 kg.

Among over 1,000 participants, only one third successfully lost weight. Three participants reduced over 15 kg.

It is the third year of this activity and the participants who lose weight during the one-month time will get cash reward ranging from 30 yuan ($4.4) to 90 yuan per kg. The first five winners can also get sport scholarship from 500 to 2,000 yuan.

One third of their prize money will go to the school's volunteer programs, according to the organizers. This year nearly 20,000 yuan prize money has been donated to those charity funds.

Guo Fei, a student majoring in computer science, has taken part in the event three times. In the first year, he failed to lose any weight. But with strong determination, he lost nearly 25kg in the past two years.

"After I lost weight, I feel that I have gained more energy and passion in life," he said. "I have become much more confident."

Peng Jiaqi, from the film academy, lost 9 kg, from 96 kg to 87kg, in one month this year.

"A good diet habit is very important," he said.