Efecan Kultur, a well-known TikToker from Turkey, has tragically passed away at just 24 years old. He gained popularity through his ‘mukbang’ videos, where he ate large amounts of food while engaging with his followers. Efecan had over 155,000 fans on TikTok and was well-known in his country. However, his extreme eating habits eventually led to serious health problems that resulted in his death.
Mukbang TikToker Trend Started in South Korea
Mukbang is a trend that began in South Korea and has since spread across the world. It involves content creators eating excessive amounts of food while interacting with their audience. While many viewers find mukbang entertaining, health experts have raised concerns about its risks. Eating such large quantities of food in one sitting can cause severe health problems over time. Unfortunately, Efecan Kultur is one of the many influencers who have suffered tragic consequences due to this trend.
Efecan had been struggling with serious health problems caused by his extreme weight. In December 2024, he was admitted to the hospital due to complications from obesity. He could no longer stand or move around on his own. He suffered from breathing difficulties, constant bruising, and extreme mobility issues. His condition worsened over time, making it impossible for him to even visit his mother’s grave after she passed away one year ago. He was eventually allowed to continue his treatment at home, but his condition did not improve. Sadly, he passed away in March 2025.
After his passing, Efecan’s funeral was held at the Celaliye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Family, friends, and fans gathered to pay their respects. He was then laid to rest at Silivri Gumusyaka Cemetery. His death shocked many of his followers, sparking discussions about the dangers of mukbang culture and the risks of extreme eating habits.
Chinese Mukbang TikToker Pan Xiaoting Also Died While Filming a 10-Hour Binge-Eating Session
Efecan is not the only influencer who lost his life due to binge-eating. A Chinese live-streamer named Pan Xiaoting tragically passed away while filming a 10-hour mukbang session. She consumed nearly 10 kilograms of food before suddenly dying on July 14. Doctors believe her stomach ruptured due to being overfilled, leading to a fatal internal injury. An autopsy revealed that her stomach had become dangerously stretched and was filled with undigested food. Her case highlights the extreme dangers of competitive eating and binge-eating for online views.
Popular TikToker Waffler69 Died at 33 After Gaining Fame for Eating Unusual and Expired Foods
Another well-known Mukbang TikToker, Taylor Brice LeJeune, known online as Waffler69, died in January 2023 at the age of 33. He had 1.7 million followers on TikTok and was famous for his unique food review videos. He would eat expired groceries, novelty snacks, and oversized foods, including promotional Addams Family cereal from the 90s and canned cheeseburgers. Unfortunately, his unhealthy eating habits contributed to his death. He suffered a suspected heart attack, which may have been linked to his extreme food challenges.
Mukbang Content Has Become More Extreme
The mukbang trend has changed over the years, with influencers eating larger amounts of unhealthy food to attract more viewers. Health experts warn that this extreme content can be very dangerous. Viewers who try to imitate these eating habits put themselves at risk of serious health issues. Doctors worry that more influencers will suffer life-threatening consequences if this trend continues.
American Mukbang TikToker Brittany Sauer Passed Away at 28 After Struggling with Type 2 Diabetes from Binge Eating
Another tragic case is that of American Mukbang TikToker Brittany Sauer, who died at just 28 years old. She suffered from complications caused by Type 2 diabetes, which was linked to her history of binge eating. Before her passing, she expressed regret about her eating habits and how they had negatively impacted her life. Her story serves as another reminder of the dangers of extreme food consumption.
Health Experts Warn
Doctors and health professionals strongly advise against extreme eating challenges. Mukbang videos may seem fun and entertaining, but they can be harmful. Eating excessive amounts of food can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions. The tragic deaths of several mukbang influencers serve as a warning that this trend is dangerous. Both influencers and viewers should think carefully before supporting extreme eating for entertainment purposes.
