In a shocking turn of events, Pan Xiaoting, a 24-year-old live-streamer from China, has died after a 10-hour binge-eating marathon that was broadcast to thousands of viewers. The extreme eating session, which featured a staggering amount of chocolate cake, chicken fingers, and seafood, ended in tragedy when Xiaoting suffered a suspected stomach rupture.
Xiaoting, known for her Mukbang live streams—a trend that originated in South Korea and involves consuming large quantities of food on camera—reportedly ingested approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of food during the marathon. Autopsy results indicated severe deformation of her stomach, which had become heavily filled with undigested food. This condition likely led to a burst stomach, causing digestive contents and stomach acid to spill into her abdomen.
The live-streamer, who had gained fame for her Mukbang content, was morbidly obese. Despite China’s ban on Mukbang videos, the trend continues to thrive, with content creators around the world, including the U.S., gaining significant followings.
One notable figure in the Mukbang community is Nicholas Perry, better known as Nikocado Avocado. The 32-year-old from Pennsylvania has amassed over 3.8 million YouTube subscribers by documenting his binge-eating escapades, which frequently involve consuming more than 10,000 calories in a single sitting. Perry, who began his online career in 2017, now weighs approximately 350 pounds, a significant increase from his initial weight of around 160 pounds.
Another prominent Mukbang creator is Candy Godiva, known as Hungry Fat Chick, who has garnered over 280,000 subscribers on YouTube. Her content, which often features large quantities of food, has contributed to her estimated net worth of $1 million.
Dr. Andrew Harris, a senior lecturer in psychology at Nottingham Trent University, warns that Mukbang videos can promote unhealthy eating patterns. He notes that while these videos may offer a sense of companionship to viewers, they can also reinforce cycles of overeating and unhealthy food relationships.
The tragic death of Pan Xiaoting has raised concerns about the dangers associated with extreme eating. Consuming vast amounts of food can lead to a range of severe health issues, including stomach rupture, distended stomachs that compress surrounding blood vessels, and severe electrolyte imbalances that can impact cardiac function.
Xiaoting’s death occurred on July 14 during the live-stream, shortly after she collapsed. Despite viewers’ attempts to provide remote assistance, it was insufficient. Xiaoting had a recent history of stomach bleeding, a condition that significantly increases the risk of further gastrointestinal complications.
Registered dietitian Katie Lopez criticized the glorification of such self-destructive behaviors in Mukbang videos. She emphasized the risks associated with extreme eating, including potential for stomach perforation, elevated glucose and lipid levels, acid-base disorders, and heart rate abnormalities.
Dr. Harris also highlights the potential negative impact of Mukbang videos on viewers, suggesting that they may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and encourage unhealthy eating habits rather than fostering genuine social connections.
As the Mukbang phenomenon continues to capture global attention, the tragic case of Pan Xiaoting serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with extreme eating and the importance of promoting healthier food consumption practices.
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