On March 26, 2025, TBS aired a segment of the show 巷のウワサを大検証！それって実際どうなの会, which sparked widespread concern regarding the weight of competitive eater Ogose Aya. The episode was titled "Why So Thin? Exploring the Mystery of Competitive Eater Weight Changes," and it featured a weight verification project that examined how competitive eaters can consume large amounts of food without gaining weight.
Ogose, who is 34 years old and stands at just 150 cm tall, shocked viewers when her pre-verification weight was revealed to be only 28.8 kg. This revelation prompted gasps from the studio audience, with many exclaiming, "What?!" and "No way!" Angela Sato, a fellow competitive eater who is 49 years old and 171 cm tall, also participated in the segment and weighed 53.6 kg before the verification.
The verification process involved both Ogose and Angela spending 48 hours on a scale the size of a futon, continuously measuring their weight. According to BMI calculations, a normal weight for someone of Ogose's height would be around 49.5 kg, giving her a BMI of 22. However, Ogose's BMI was calculated to be a concerning 12.8, significantly below the threshold for being classified as underweight.
Despite the alarming figures, Ogose defended her weight, stating, "I usually fluctuate around this weight, and it’s normal for me given my height. I’ve always considered this my best weight." Her remark was highlighted in red text during the broadcast, emphasizing her belief in her own health.
During the episode, both women consumed a staggering 3 kg salmon dish, dubbed the "Salmon One Whole Bowl." Following the meal, Ogose's weight increased by 3.9 kg, while Angela's rose by 3.4 kg, including water weight. However, Ogose's weight quickly decreased: she lost 0.1 kg merely by lying on the futon and an additional 0.8 kg after using the restroom. Angela also experienced a weight drop of 1.1 kg post-restroom.
After drinking 300 ml each of cider and orange juice, Ogose lost another 1.3 kg, reinforcing the notion that she has a unique metabolism that prevents her from gaining weight despite her eating habits. This peculiar trait of both women was discussed throughout the segment.
However, the audience's reaction on social media was largely one of concern. Many viewers expressed their worries about Ogose's health, with comments such as, "Shouldn't she go to the hospital instead of being on TV?" and "Is Ogose okay? With a height of 150 cm and a weight of 28 kg, is that safe?" Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their worries for her well-being.
One viewer commented, "Ogose has lost nearly 8 kg since a 2019 YouTube video where she revealed her weight was 36.9 kg. This drastic change has understandably raised alarms among fans and viewers alike." The episode, while intriguing, sparked a debate about whether such content is appropriate for a variety show, especially when it raises serious health concerns.
In response to the concerns, a medical professional featured in the segment explained the unique physiology of individuals like Ogose and Angela, who can consume large quantities of food without significant weight gain. However, critics argue that more emphasis should have been placed on Ogose's health status and the potential risks associated with her low weight.
As the episode concluded, many viewers were left hoping for Ogose's health and well-being, with calls for her to seek medical advice. The discussion surrounding her weight continues to highlight the complexities of competitive eating and the societal pressures surrounding body image.
Ultimately, while the show aimed to entertain and educate about the realities of competitive eating, it also inadvertently brought to light serious health issues that cannot be overlooked. Ogose's situation serves as a reminder of the importance of health over entertainment, prompting viewers to reflect on the implications of such extreme eating habits.
