By Beijing, China – In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the online community, Pan Xiaoting, a 24-year-old Chinese binge-eating live-streamer, died last week during a 10-hour ç broadcast. Consuming 10kg (22lbs) of food including chocolate cake, chicken fingers, and seafood, Pan’s death highlights the severe health risks associated with the Mukbang trend.
Pan Xiaoting’s death was caused by a suspected stomach tear. Autopsy reports revealed her stomach had become severely deformed and filled with undigested food, likely causing it to burst and leak stomach acid and food into her abdomen. Despite emergency services being called, they were unable to save her.
Pan Xiaoting, known for her Mukbang live streams, gained popularity in China by consuming massive amounts of unhealthy food on camera. The Mukbang trend, which originated in South Korea, involves live-streaming oneself eating large quantities of food, often leading to significant online followings and financial success.
The Mukbang trend has spread to the West, with prominent content creators in the US gaining large followings. Nicholas Perry, known as Nikocado Avocado, is one of the most well-known figures in this space, boasting 3.8 million YouTube followers. Perry, from Pennsylvania, has become a multi-millionaire by documenting his binge-eating and weight gain journey, often consuming over 10,000 calories in a single sitting on camera.
Another notable Mukbang star is Candy Godiva, also known as Hungry Fat Chick, who has more than 280,000 YouTube subscribers and a net worth nearing $1 million. Both Perry and Godiva have built their brands on extreme eating habits, drawing in large audiences and substantial revenue.
Experts are increasingly concerned about the impact of Mukbang videos on viewers’ health. Dr. Andrew Harris, a senior lecturer in psychology at Nottingham Trent University, warned that these videos promote consumption and indulgence, potentially triggering unhealthy eating behaviors and food relationships in viewers.
In response to these concerns, China has implemented a ban on Mukbang videos. However, enforcement remains challenging as content creators find ways to continue their broadcasts and maintain their online presence.
The death of Pan Xiaoting underscores the severe health risks associated with the Mukbang trend. As this phenomenon continues to gain global traction, it highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, regulation, and caution to protect both content creators and viewers from the dangerous consequences of extreme eating behaviors.
