Alan Tam has become the latest celeb to join the fitness craze, picking up running about a month ago.

The 69-year-old star has been posting sweaty post-workout snaps on his Weibo (‘cos, you know, he deleted everything else), and his Aug 13 update was met with great concern by netizens. Clad in a pink shirt which was drenched in sweat, Alan was not a picture of vigour, his cheeks looking a lot hollower than usual.

Overreacting netizens immediately assumed the worst, even jumping to conclusions that he was “suffering from a terminal illness” that caused him to lose that much weight in a short span. “Please go see a doctor,” one implored. Another intoned, “Whatever it is, please know that we’re all supporting you”, adding curiously, “If you don’t have enough [money] for treatment, let us know!”

Hours after his initial post, he seemed to have caught wind of the ever-growing alarm as he posted another update, which read, “Don’t worry, everyone. I did extra exercises today and I’m a little tired, but I’ve eaten and drunk a lot of water.” Netizens were still unconvinced and continued to post comments asking him to prioritise his health and see a doctor.

The comments got so out of hand that he addressed the situation on Aug 16. “Two days ago, I posted a photo after an extra hard workout and gave everyone a scare,” he shared. “All of you needn’t worry, because I always look like this after going for a run. Here’s the before and after photos.”

He then shared a comparison photo, which had netizens marvelling at how quickly his cheeks go back to looking normal after he hydrates.

“It’s amazing. Does anyone else experience this? Am I the only one who doesn’t?” one wondered, with others assuring the netizen in question that Alan’s situation was “unique to him”. Another joked, “If he ever needs to look chiseled for a photoshoot, he can just go for a run and not drink water after.”

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Photos: PBE Media