Shu Qi’s controversial diet tip stirs fierce debate online

Female celebrities have often talked about the struggles of being on a perpetual diet, and even superstars are no exception.

Take Taiwanese Shu Qi for example. The 43-year-old was a guest on a recent episode of Phoenix New Media’s talk show Fei Chang Dao, where she confessed that she has had to resort to unorthodox methods to maintain her weight.

“Not being able to eat even though you really want to is very stressful,” she started off, “After being in the industry for so long, sometimes I wonder, ‘Why do I have to remain slim?’ But at the same time, if I put on weight, I won’t look good in the clothes that I wear.”

When the host asked her for how she resists the temptation of food, Shu Qi shared, “If there’s something that I really want to eat, but if I’m working or will be taking up a project in the near future, I’ll put a photo of whatever I want to eat and look at it. That way, I can look at it. If I were to tempt myself by smelling the real thing, I might end up losing control and eating it.”

Netizens started a fierce debate after the episode was aired, as some felt that she was promoting unhealthy eating habits and encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. “If they think you can become a star just by not eating and staring at pictures of food every day, this is definitely going to be a problem,” commented one netizen. Another added, “Our youth are impressionable and can end up starving to death if they think this is how they can become beautiful in the eyes of others. Are you trying to get people killed?”

However, another group of netizens praised her for her determination, remarking that it must have not been easy for her to do so. “She is definitely more determined than I am. I can’t even bring myself to get out of bed in the morning!” one wrote.

Photos: PBE Media

Related:
Shu Qi reveals that she doesn’t have any celeb friends to confide in
Shu Qi takes a tumble on stage due to wet weather
Shu Qi, Anita Yuen speak up against digitally whitened photos