The Filipino mukbang community has been struck by the sudden and tragic death of Manoy Apatan, better known to his audience as Dongz Apatan. Just hours after posting a video of himself enjoying a platter of fried chicken and rice, Manoy suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he passed away the following day at the age of 38.

Mukbang, a portmanteau of the Korean words “meokneun” (eating) and “bangsong” (broadcast), involves content creators consuming large quantities of food while engaging with their audience. It’s a phenomenon that has taken social media by storm, particularly in East Asia, and has now found a significant following worldwide.

Manoy, who had more than 457,000 followers on his Facebook page under the name Dongz Four, was a beloved figure in this community. His videos often featured him eating vast portions of traditional Filipino cuisine, bringing a taste of local culture to his fans across the globe.

On the fateful day, Manoy shared a reel showing pieces of chicken being deep-fried in a wok, followed by a video of himself eating the fried chicken and white rice. His sister later announced on his Facebook page that he had suffered a cardiac arrest around 3 pm.

The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief from his fans. However, it also stirred controversy. Some comments suggested that Manoy’s death was a result of his “greed” for food. His sister quickly addressed these remarks, stating that the large platters were merely for content creation. “He did not really eat much. He did not finish the platters either. Manoy was not greedy; he helped others,” she said in a statement to GMA News Online.

The medical explanation behind Manoy’s death sheds light on the potential dangers associated with mukbang. A cardiologist in the report explained that Manoy’s death was caused by a hemorrhagic stroke, a condition where blood vessels in the brain rupture due to increased blood pressure. This was attributed to the consumption of salty food and meat, common elements in mukbang videos.

Experts warn that regular consumption of such foods can lead to serious health issues. “Salty food and meat, when consumed daily, can cause blood vessels in the brain to get blocked,” said one expert. The rise in blood pressure can result in blood clots, eventually leading to strokes.

This incident reminds us the potential health risks associated with mukbang. While the videos are entertaining and offer a sense of community, they can also encourage unhealthy eating habits. It’s crucial for viewers to understand that what they see on screen is often not a true reflection of reality.

The mukbang trend has been criticised for promoting overeating and unhealthy diets. These videos can normalise excessive food consumption, leading to a distorted perception of portion sizes and dietary habits. In some cases, they may even contribute to eating disorders.

A study found that viewers of mukbang videos are more likely to engage in binge eating. The study highlighted the need for awareness about the impact of such content on dietary behaviours and mental health.

Health professionals urge content creators to consider the potential impact of their videos on their audience. They recommend incorporating messages about balanced diets and healthy eating habits into their content. It’s important for influencers to use their platform responsibly. For viewers, it’s essential to be mindful of their own eating habits. Watching mukbang should be an enjoyable experience, but it should not influence one’s dietary choices negatively. Moderation is key.

As for Manoy’s legacy, his fans remember him not just for his mukbang videos but also for his kindness and generosity. He was known for helping others and spreading joy through his content. His sudden passing is a loss to the community, but it also serves as a wake-up call about the importance of health and moderation.

While mukbang can be a fun and engaging form of entertainment, it comes with its own set of risks. Both content creators and viewers need to be aware of the potential health implications and make conscious choices about their eating habits. As we remember Manoy Apatan, let’s also take this opportunity to reflect on our own dietary practices and strive for a healthier balance.