Love on a Diet

Love on a Diet

Year: 2001

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Cantonese

Directors: Johnnie To, Wai Ka-Fai

DramaRomanceComedy

A depressed, obese woman tries to lose weight in order to win back her ex-boyfriend with the help of a fellow Hong Konger whom she met in Japan.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Love on a Diet yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Love on a Diet (2001)

Trace every key event in Love on a Diet (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mini's low point and meeting Fatso

Mini Mo, a Hong Kong resident living in Japan, battles depression, low self-esteem, and a binge eating disorder that leave her severely obese. A suicide attempt brings her into contact with Fatso, a Hong Kong salesman living in Japan who is also obese. This encounter marks the beginning of an unlikely partnership as Fatso steps in to help.

Japan
2

Fatso learns the reason behind Mini's depression

Mini sticks with Fatso, and although she initially vexes him, he begins to understand the sadness behind her condition. He learns about her breakup with Kurokawa and the promise that haunts her. The two form a cautious bond as he resolves to help her.

Japan
3

The lost love and the Yokohama pledge

In a poignant flashback, Mini recalls how ten years earlier she vowed to meet Kurokawa at the foot of Yokohama Marine Tower on the night of their break-up. The memory explains the emotional weight behind her weight and the fear she carries about facing him now. The promise becomes a central thread in her quest for change.

ten years ago, night of break-up Yokohama, Japan
4

Fear of meeting Kurokawa again

As the reunion approaches, Mini worries that her current body may fail to win back Kurokawa and fears ridicule from the public eye. This anxiety prevents her from embracing self-acceptance. The fear becomes a barrier she must overcome to pursue happiness.

reunion night Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan
5

Fatso vows to help Mini get fit

Moved by her story, Fatso promises to whip Mini back into shape. He becomes her coach and guardian, committing his time and resources to her weight-loss journey. His dedication marks a turning point in Mini's struggle.

Japan
6

Desperate weight-loss efforts begin

Mini tries extreme methods to shed pounds, including swallowing tapeworms, highlighting the desperation of her drive to change. She also pushes herself with workouts and DDR sessions, showing resilience despite risky choices. These efforts set the tone for the road ahead.

Japan
7

Fatso starts a street boxing gig to fund the plan

With funds running low, Fatso launches a boxing act on the streets, inviting onlookers to punch him to vent frustrations. The crowd’s responses bring in money to finance Mini's weight-loss program. His sacrifice deepens their intertwined journey.

Tokyo streets, Japan
8

Mini enters an expensive weight-loss program

Fatso arranges Mini's enrollment in a costly weight-loss program, which proves to be highly effective. The combination of disciplined guidance and Fatso's support helps Mini shed pounds and regain confidence. The transformation brings her closer to the life she desires.

Japan
9

Night of reunion at Tokyo Tower

On the night of her reunion with Kurokawa, Fatso drops Mini off at Tokyo Tower. The pair are captured by local media as Kurokawa is framed by the spotlight, turning the moment into a public spectacle. The media attention complicates the emotional stakes of the reunion.

night of reunion Tokyo Tower, Tokyo
10

Mini witnesses Fatso's sacrifice on screen

During interviews, Mini glimpses a broadcast featuring Fatso's street boxing gig, realizing how much he has sacrificed for her. The revelation brings tears and a deep sense of gratitude, reshaping her feelings in that charged moment. It crystallizes the truth of his commitment.

same night Tokyo, Japan
11

Mini decides to move toward Fatso

Overcome by emotion, Mini turns from her former beau and tries to apologize, but ultimately leaves the reunion with a new sense of direction. She chooses a future with Fatso rather than pursuing a reconciliation with Kurokawa. The night marks a decisive pivot in her life.

night of reunion Tokyo Tower vicinity
12

Months later: Mini becomes a dieting author

Months pass and Mini publishes a dieting bestseller, sharing her journey and the lessons she learned along the way. The book cements her new identity as someone who survived her darkest years and embraced healthier living. It also signals a public shift in how she views herself.

Japan
13

Fatso and Mini celebrate in a park

A slimmed-down Fatso carries Mini's dieting book through a park, a quiet symbol of their shared commitment and transformation. He has undergone change alongside her, reflecting the depth of their bond. They share a kiss and vow never to leave each other again.

months later Park, Japan
14

Their future together, sealed with a kiss

In the final beat, Mini and Fatso seal their renewed bond with a kiss, acknowledging they will face the future together. Their journey from despair to hope culminates in a promise to stay by each other's side. The couple steps forward, united and hopeful.

months later Park, Japan

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:40

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Love on a Diet Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Love on a Diet

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