Pan Xiaoting Dies During Livestream
A 24-year-old extreme eater from China tragically passed away during a 10-hour livestream in which she consumed 10kg of food. Known online as Pan Xiaoting, she regularly shared her binge-eating sessions, often uploading Mukbang videos, a trend that originated in South Korea in the early 2010s and involves eating large quantities of food while interacting with viewers.
Despite warnings from her family about the potential health risks, Xiaoting continued her lengthy livestreams. She had previously been hospitalized due to gastrointestinal bleeding, according to China News.
On July 14, during her final livestream, Xiaoting collapsed on camera, leaving her fans in shock. An autopsy later revealed her stomach was “deformed” and full of undigested food, suggesting a possible rupture that allowed stomach acid and food to leak into her abdomen.
Reacting to her death on X, formerly known as Twitter, users expressed disbelief and concern. Comments ranged from blaming the culture of gluttony to questioning the appeal of watching such content. Some also criticized the glorification of obesity and the paradox of excessive consumption amidst global hunger.
China has since implemented regulations to limit excessive eating during Mukbang streams, with penalties for those who violate these rules. Dr. Andrew Harris, a senior lecturer in psychology at Nottingham Trent University, noted that while Mukbang videos can provide a sense of social connection, they may also reinforce unhealthy eating behaviors and exacerbate loneliness.
Prominent Mukbang creators, like American YouTuber Nikocado Avocado, have faced criticism for their excessive food consumption and the health issues it promotes. Nicholas Perry, known as Nikocado Avocado, has notably garnered concern over his significant weight gain documented over the years.