In a recent television appearance, veteran nurse Tan Dun-ci from Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan revealed a surprisingly straightforward weight-loss strategy that transformed her two sons’ health. The younger son dropped from 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to 70 kilograms (154 pounds)—a loss of 30 kilograms (66 pounds)—while his older brother shed 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Their secret? Giving up a single type of beverage.
The Drink That Had to Go
Tan, speaking on the Taiwanese program Little Universe Big Explosion, explained that both sons were habitual consumers of sugary drinks—specifically bubble tea and other sweetened beverages. Once they eliminated these from their daily routines, the weight began to drop steadily. The younger son achieved his 66-pound loss over the course of one year, and the older brother followed a similar timeline.
“It wasn’t about extreme diets or punishing exercise,” Tan said. “It was about removing one major source of empty calories and watching the body recalibrate.”
Beyond the Scale: Targeting Visceral Fat and Fatty Liver
The brothers’ story resonates beyond aesthetics. Excess abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat that surrounds internal organs, is closely linked to metabolic diseases and fatty liver disease. According to the hospital’s family medicine specialist Dr. Li Yue-tang, also featured on the program, cutting sugary drinks is a first step, but a comprehensive approach requires specific nutrients.
Dr. Li recommended five key nutritional categories to combat visceral fat:
- Dietary fiber – found in vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- High-quality protein – lean meats, fish, tofu, and eggs
- Healthy unsaturated fats – olive oil, nuts, and avocados
- Antioxidants – berries, green tea, and dark leafy greens
- Probiotics – yogurt, kimchi, and fermented foods
He also listed 16 specific foods that help reduce visceral fat, including oats, salmon, broccoli, blueberries, almonds, and chia seeds.
Fatty Liver: A Silent Consequence of Poor Diet
Taiwanese dietitian Cheng Han-yu highlighted that a fatty liver is diagnosed when fat makes up more than 5% of the liver’s weight. This condition is often asymptomatic but can progress to inflammation and scarring if left unchecked. Cheng emphasized that reversing fatty liver hinges on three habits: a balanced diet, consistent weight loss, and regular physical activity.
She provided a list of 10 liver-protective foods:
- Coffee (unsweetened)
- Green tea
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)
- Beets
- Avocado
- Walnuts
“These foods support detoxification pathways and reduce inflammation,” Cheng explained. “They should replace processed snacks and sugary treats, not be added on top of them.”
A Broader Message for Hong Kong’s Health-Conscious Readers
The story of Tan’s sons is a powerful reminder that dramatic health improvements don’t always require drastic measures. For many Hong Kong residents, daily bubble tea or canned soft drinks are a habit—one that can silently contribute to weight gain, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome.
Actionable takeaways:
- Replace sugary drinks with water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee.
- Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day from whole foods.
- Include a source of lean protein at every meal.
- Exercise for 30 minutes most days, combining cardio and strength training.
- Consider a liver health check if you have a family history of diabetes or obesity.
As the nurse’s family proved, sometimes the smallest change creates the biggest ripple. For those struggling with stubborn belly fat or worried about fatty liver, the first step might be as simple as putting down that straw.