Efecan Kultur, a young social media influencer from Turkey, passed away on March 7 due to complications related to obesity. He was well-known for his “mukbang” videos, in which he would consume large quantities of food while being filmed.
Despite gaining a significant following on TikTok and Instagram, his health rapidly declined due to excessive weight gain. His hospitalization lasted for three months before he ultimately succumbed to obesity-related complications. His death has sparked discussions about the impact of mukbang culture and the dangers of overeating.
The Rise of Mukbang and Its Health Implications
Mukbang originated in South Korea and quickly became a global phenomenon, with influencers worldwide participating in the trend. The term “mukbang” is derived from the Korean words “muk-ja” (eating) and “bang-song” (broadcast), which together mean “eating broadcast.” The trend involves individuals consuming enormous amounts of food while interacting with their audience in real time or through pre-recorded videos.
In Turkey, mukbang gained popularity in recent years, with influencers like Efecan Kultur amassing thousands of followers. His content revolved around eating excessive portions of various dishes, attracting millions of views.
However, the long-term consequences of consuming large amounts of food for entertainment can be dangerous. Experts have warned that mukbang culture can contribute to unhealthy eating habits, encouraging both influencers and viewers to engage in binge eating.
🇹🇷 #Turkey. TikTok star (Efecan Kultur) known for 'mukbang' videos dead at 24 due to 'complications caused by extreme obesity.' pic.twitter.com/lPtMJVq0I1
— 🔥⭐️Edwin⭐️🔥 (@Nuked4Every1) March 12, 2025
Excessive food consumption, especially high-calorie meals, can lead to severe health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders. Over time, these conditions can weaken the body’s ability to function properly, leading to chronic illnesses or even premature death. Efecan Kultur’s case is an example of how the pursuit of online fame can sometimes come at the cost of one’s health.
The Health Struggles of Efecan Kultur
Efecan Kultur had been struggling with obesity for a significant period before his death. His weight gain caused numerous health problems, leading to his prolonged hospitalization.
Reports suggest that he suffered from breathing difficulties and skin bruises, which left him bedridden. In his final months, his social media activity decreased significantly, and his last mukbang video was posted in October 2024. In that clip, he mentioned that he was trying to reduce his salt intake and was on a diet.
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Despite his efforts to improve his health, the damage caused by his extreme eating habits was already severe. His condition continued to deteriorate until he required continuous medical attention.
His death was announced by fellow social media personality Yasin Oyanik, marking the end of a short yet impactful career in the mukbang community.
Efecan Kultur’s case is a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with obesity and binge eating. The excessive consumption of food, especially for entertainment purposes, can have serious consequences. While mukbang videos may seem harmless at first, they can encourage unhealthy habits and increase the risk of life-threatening conditions.
The Dangers of Overeating and the Need for Awareness
Obesity-related deaths are on the rise worldwide, with poor dietary habits playing a significant role in the problem. Overeating leads to a calorie surplus, which the body stores as fat. This accumulation of fat can result in numerous health issues, including:
Cardiovascular Disease: Excessive fat deposits in the body increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and hypertension. These conditions can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or even sudden cardiac arrest.
Metabolic Syndrome: Obesity is linked to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. People who frequently consume large amounts of food, especially high in sugars and fats, are at a greater risk of developing metabolic disorders.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Overeating can lead to indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, and other digestive problems. The body struggles to process large amounts of food, which can cause long-term damage to the digestive system.
Psychological Effects: Binge eating is often associated with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Many influencers who participate in mukbang videos experience emotional distress due to the pressure of constantly producing extreme content.
In response to growing concerns about social media’s impact on eating behaviors, the Turkish government is reportedly working on new regulations to restrict social media usage among teenagers under 16. Such measures aim to protect young users from harmful content and discourage unhealthy habits influenced by online trends.
The tragic death of Efecan Kultur serves as a wake-up call for both content creators and viewers. While entertainment plays a crucial role in social media culture, it should not come at the expense of health and well-being. Raising awareness about the risks of excessive eating and promoting balanced dietary habits is essential in preventing similar tragedies in the future.