An extreme eating influencer was rescued after collapsing halfway up a mountain during a hiking challenge.
Liangzi, a popular mukbang creator famous for massive eating sessions, stands just 5’5” tall and tipped the scales at a hefty 27 stone before the ill-fated attempt on Mount Emei in Sichuan Province, China.
Shocking footage shows him struggling step by step with companions using long bamboo poles to prop up his sagging abdomen.
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The 33-year-old was carried down on a stretcher by emergency teams after his body gave out under the intense physical strain.
Liangzi, real name Li Zhanliang, later confirmed he is fine but vowed to return next year after getting fitter.
The dramatic scenes unfolded as the influencer, weighing a massive 171.5kg, attempted the tough climb as part of a weight-loss push.
Exhaustion and oxygen shortage struck him about one kilometre short of his target near the 2,800-metre mark, leaving him unconscious.
Friends raised the alarm and park staff rushed to the scene with a stretcher to bring him down safely.
Scenic area officials urged all climbers to carefully judge their own fitness levels and avoid pushing beyond safe limits.
Former doctor Tan Qindong publicly slammed the idea of sending someone with such extreme obesity up the mountain, calling it deeply irresponsible and warning of risks including sudden death, permanent joint damage or acute heart and brain problems.
Online viewers voiced strong concern over the danger to the climber and the strain placed on public rescue resources by stunts designed to gain attention.
The influencer later posted a short video thanking fans and explaining the collapse.
He said: “I hadn’t done any exercise for a long time and was only one kilometre short when I couldn’t breathe anymore.”
He added: “But I’m fine, next year I’ll get my body right and will try again.”
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