The global "mukbang" trend, where creators film themselves consuming massive quantities of food, has gained immense popularity, especially among young audiences. While initially seen as a form of entertainment or social connection, growing evidence points to severe health risks for both creators and viewers, including obesity, eating disorders, and in tragic cases, premature death, urging a critical re-evaluation of this online phenomenon.
What began as a unique online eating show in South Korea, combining "muk-ja" (eat) and "bang-song" (broadcast), has morphed into a global phenomenon known as mukbang. Millions of young people are captivated by streamers who consume colossal amounts of food, often accompanied by amplified chewing and slurping sounds (ASMR). However, behind the spectacle lies a darker reality: a trend that poses significant health dangers, and in some tragic instances, has been linked to the loss of young lives.
The Allure and The Peril for Creators
Mukbang creators, driven by the quest for views, likes, and financial gain, often feel immense pressure to "up the ante" – consuming increasingly larger and unhealthier portions of food. This constant pressure can lead to a dangerous cycle:
Extreme Caloric Intake: Many mukbang sessions involve consuming thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of calories in a single sitting, far exceeding daily nutritional needs. This consistent overeating is a direct pathway to obesity.
Severe Health Complications: The sustained practice of binge eating high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods takes a severe toll on the body. Creators can develop a range of chronic conditions including Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and severe digestive issues like acid reflux and acute pancreatitis.
Tragic Outcomes: Sadly, there have been documented cases of young mukbang creators facing life-threatening health crises. For instance, a 24-year-old Turkish TikToker, Efecan Kultur, popular for his mukbang content, reportedly passed away in March 2025 due to complications related to obesity after months of hospitalization. Similarly, a Chinese streamer, Pan Xiaoting, was reported to have died in July 2024 during a livestream mukbang session, with autopsy results revealing a severely deformed stomach filled with undigested food after prolonged eating challenges. These cases underscore the extreme risks involved.
Mental Health Strain: The pressure to perform, maintain an ideal body image despite excessive eating, and the constant online scrutiny can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and an unhealthy relationship with food for content creators.
The Ripple Effect on Young Viewers
The influence of mukbang extends beyond the creators to their often-impressionable young audience:
Normalization of Unhealthy Eating: Regularly watching individuals consume vast, unhealthy portions can desensitize viewers to the dangers of overeating and distort their perception of normal portion sizes. This can make binge-eating seem less problematic.
Triggering Eating Disorders: For vulnerable viewers, particularly teenagers and children, mukbang content can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviors, including binge eating, or even serve as a vicarious experience for those struggling with restrictive eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Unhealthy Food Preferences: Mukbang's frequently feature fast food or processed, calorie-dense items. Exposure to this content can lead young viewers to develop a stronger preference for such unhealthy options and neglect nutrient-dense foods.
Misrepresentation of Reality: Some mukbang videos are heavily edited, with creators spitting out food off-camera or eating over multiple sittings, making it appear as if they consume impossible amounts without ill effects. This misrepresentation can lead viewers to believe they can mimic these habits without adverse health consequences.
Sedentary Behavior: Prolonged viewing of mukbang's often involves passive consumption of content, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle which itself poses health risks.
Urgent Calls for Awareness and Regulation
The rising concerns surrounding mukbang have prompted health experts and authorities to issue warnings:
Medical Professionals' Concerns: Doctors and dietitians are vocal about the severe physical and mental health risks. They emphasize that consuming calories far beyond one's needs is detrimental, especially for individuals at risk of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Governmental Response: Some governments are considering legislative measures. For example, the Turkish government reportedly used Efecan Kultur's death to warn young people about the dangers and is working on legislation to restrict social media use for those under 16.
Parental Guidance and Media Literacy: Experts advise parents to engage in open conversations with their children about mukbang videos, discussing the potential health risks and helping them develop critical media literacy to distinguish between entertainment and unhealthy behaviors.
Focus on Moderation: While not all mukbang content is inherently harmful, consuming it in moderation and being aware of one's motivations for watching are crucial.
Seeking Professional Help: If watching mukbang leads to changes in eating habits, feelings of being out of control with food, or addictive viewing patterns, seeking professional help from doctors, nutritionists, or addiction specialists is strongly recommended.
The mukbang phenomenon serves as a stark reminder that trends, particularly those amplified by social media, can have serious real-world consequences. As this digital appetite for extreme eating continues to grow, a collective effort from content platforms, creators, parents, and health organizations is urgently needed to safeguard the well-being of young people.