Recently, one of the extracurricular courses named "Burning My Calories" has just opened on December 10. The course – a 21-day Exercise Camp offered by Tianjin University – has attracted much attention. Any student can apply for the course, but the only requirement is that you have to be fat enough.

According to TJU regulations, only 20 students will be enrolled. The candidates must meet one of the following four requirements:

1. Students who’s BMI ≥ 26 (BMI = mass kg/height m²);

2. Boys whose waistlines are over 85cm and girls over 80cm;

3. Students whose weight is 10% higher than the standard (standard weight = height (cm) -105);

4. Boys whose body fat percentage is over 25% and girls over 35%.

“Students are unexpectedly enthusiastic,” Liu Guanghong, associate professor of the Sports Department at Tianjin University said, “more than 60 students have applied and there will be an interview on Sunday morning to determine the final list. Many who are not obese also want to attend the class."

“Nowadays, keeping our health and figures is not only a social trend but also a need of our students. The goal of the “Weight-loss Class” is to meet the healthy and reasonable requirements of our students. With the teachers’ professional knowledge, we will try our best to help them lose weight reasonably and lead a healthy life," Liu added.

Students are on the class.

The course is scheduled from December 10 to 30, a total of 21 days. The course consists of three aspects: First, physical exercise, including yoga, basketball, taekwondo etc. Second, advice and supervision on diet. Third, mental health counseling will be given to some students because, “we hope to give correct guidance to those who feel pressured about obesity", the associate professor said.

“The course is to help students live in a healthy way and urge them to push for daily exercise and we don’t have mandatory weight loss targets,” she said. Nevertheless, the course still has strict requirements and evaluation system. “Students must attend every class. The training and diet should be arranged strictly in accordance with the requirements. When the classes end, BMI should be reduced by at least two percent.”

Students are doing class training.

The students who have completed the course can lose weight while earning two academic credits or additional awards such as bicycles, exercise equipment and swimming cards, according to how much they reduce their BMI. Up to 70% of the students may achieve awards.

"Losing weight is not the ultimate goal of this course," said Zhang Jianbin, one of the organizers of the weight-loss course at Tianjin University.

"The course aims to inspire students to cultivate a good habit, an interest in sports, a positive attitude and a spirit of self-discipline for their future."