A prominent figure in the bodybuilding community has passed away unexpectedly while sleeping at the young age of 26.

Bi Jiaqi, who had recently acquired a new residence and had plans to host a celebratory dinner for friends upon moving in, tragically passed away on Friday before the completion of the renovations.

Known for his intense workout routines and well-toned physique, the influencer had engaged in online conversations with friends just hours before his demise, discussing his future participation in a bodybuilding competition.

Concerns arose among his friends in the days leading up to his death as they noticed signs such as purplish lips, fatigued eyes, and abnormal bulging of blood vessels in his neck. These indicators hinted at potential oxygen insufficiency and circulatory issues, which are associated with cardiac arrest. The exact cause of death remains undisclosed.

Earlier in the month, Bi, hailing from Ningbo in China, shared a selfie joking about his “swollen head” resembling a steamed bun. His training partners attributed this to typical responses to extreme fat reduction and pre-competition dehydration.

Many athletes undergo strict water and salt restriction to achieve single-digit body fat percentages for enhanced muscle definition, which can strain the heart. Cardiologist Zhang Yu from Fuwai Hospital in Shenzhen highlighted the cardiovascular risks associated with intense fitness training.

Yu emphasized that extreme exercise methods, like dehydration and fat reduction common in bodybuilding competitions, can thicken the blood and elevate the likelihood of blood clot formation. Balancing exercise intensity is crucial as both excessive and insufficient physical activity pose risks to heart health.

Prolonged intense training could lead to conditions like myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, heightening the chances of sudden fatality. The sudden passing of the bodybuilder left his Weibo followers stunned, with many expressing disbelief in his mortality.

Bi’s body will undergo an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

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