Summary
- Mukbang is a global food phenomenon where YouTubers consume large amounts of food on camera for followers and advertising revenue.
- There is a dark side to mukbang as seen with the death of Chinese mukbanger Pan Xiaoting while gorging on food live on camera.
- Mukbang originated in South Korea as a way for people living alone to have virtual dinner companions and earn extra income.
- Top mukbang YouTubers can earn significant amounts of money, with some earning up to £310,000 a month.
- Health officials worldwide are warning of the dangers of mukbang as it can promote overeating and unhealthy food relationships.
The rise of “mukbang” videos, where people eat large amounts of food on camera, is causing concern among health officials worldwide. The trend, which originated in South Korea and has now spread to the US and Britain, involves influencers consuming massive meals for their viewers’ entertainment. While some mukbangers are making a lot of money from their videos, there are serious health risks involved.
Several mukbangers have experienced health issues as a result of their extreme eating habits, with some even dying during live broadcasts. The excessive consumption of high-calorie foods is not only promoting overeating and unhealthy food relationships but also encouraging viewers to indulge in food without any of the negative consequences.
Despite warnings from health professionals and crackdowns by governments in countries like China and South Korea, the popularity of mukbang videos continues to grow. As more people turn to online content for entertainment, the impact of these videos on public health remains a pressing concern.
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Gastroenterology, Public Health & Prevention