Mukbang, a social media trend originating in South Korea, involves individuals broadcasting themselves consuming large quantities of food, often in front of a live audience or recorded for millions of viewers. Initially celebrated for its entertainment value and cultural appeal, mukbang has since evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing eating behaviors and dietary habits across different age groups. While it has gained worldwide popularity, offering a sense of companionship to viewers and lucrative opportunities for creators, mukbang also poses serious health risks, both physiological and psychological. The excessive food consumption often showcased in these videos promotes overeating, unhealthy dietary choices, and potential long-term consequences such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and mental health concerns. This article explores the detrimental effects of mukbang on human health, supported by scientific evidence, shedding light on its hidden dangers and the need for greater awareness.
Mukbang
Physiological Health Risks
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Excessive calorie consumption in a single sitting is a primary concern with mukbang. Studies have shown that frequent binge eating episodes can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), frequent overeating significantly contributes to the rising global obesity epidemic.
Digestive Disorders
The gastrointestinal system is not designed to handle excessive food intake at once. Mukbang participants often consume meals far beyond their normal satiety levels, leading to bloating, acid reflux, and gastroparesis. Over time, habitual overeating can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Regular consumption of large amounts of high-glycemic foods—common in mukbang videos—can cause insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. A study published in Diabetes Care found that repeated postprandial hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels after eating) accelerates the onset of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
Cardiovascular Risks
Mukbang meals often consist of high-fat, high-sodium, and highly processed foods, which contribute to hypertension and atherosclerosis. Research from the American Heart Association indicates that excessive sodium intake increases blood pressure, while trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, both of which elevate cardiovascular disease risk.
Liver Health Risks
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Overeating, particularly foods high in fat and sugar, significantly contributes to fat accumulation in the liver. A study in Hepatology found that excessive calorie intake and insulin resistance are major risk factors for NAFLD, which can progress to liver inflammation and fibrosis if left unchecked.
Liver Inflammation and Damage
Binge eating triggers chronic metabolic stress, leading to oxidative damage in the liver. High fructose consumption—common in processed foods and sugary drinks—has been linked to increased liver fat accumulation and inflammation, exacerbating liver disease.
Increased Risk of Liver Dysfunction
Mukbang often features processed and fried foods, which contain harmful trans fats. Research in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that excessive trans fat intake elevates liver enzyme levels, a marker of liver stress and potential dysfunction over time.
Psychological and Behavioral Health Effects
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Repeated exposure to mukbang content normalizes binge eating behavior, potentially leading to Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a recognized mental health condition. A study in Appetite suggests that social reinforcement of overeating behaviors can trigger BED, characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled eating, followed by distress and guilt.
Food Addiction
Highly palatable foods, especially those high in sugar and fat, can stimulate dopamine release in the brain, similar to addictive substances. Mukbang encourages compulsive eating patterns, reinforcing neural pathways associated with reward-driven overconsumption. Neuroimaging studies published in Nature Neuroscience show that food addiction shares neurobiological mechanisms with drug addiction.
Psychosocial Consequences
Mukbang creators often experience pressure to consume extreme portions to maintain viewer engagement. This can lead to unhealthy relationships with food, stress, and even depression. A study in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that social media performance anxiety significantly impacts mental well-being.
Public Health Concerns
Promotion of Unhealthy Eating Habits
Viewers, particularly younger audiences, may develop distorted perceptions of portion sizes and dietary norms. Mukbang content often glorifies excessive consumption without addressing its consequences, potentially influencing eating behaviors in a detrimental way.
Impact on Healthcare Systems
The rise in obesity-related illnesses due to binge eating behaviors imposes a burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Increased rates of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders result in higher medical costs and reduced quality of life for affected individuals.
The Hidden Dangers of Mukbang: Long-Term Health Risks You Should Know
While mukbang offers entertainment value and has become a cultural phenomenon, its long-term health implications cannot be ignored. The practice promotes excessive food consumption, which contributes to obesity, metabolic disorders, liver disease, and mental health issues. Regular exposure to mukbang content can normalize binge eating behaviors, distort perceptions of portion sizes, and encourage unhealthy dietary habits, especially among younger audiences. Additionally, the physical toll on mukbang creators themselves, who often push their bodies to extremes for the sake of views and engagement, raises concerns about the sustainability of such content.
Beyond individual health risks, mukbang also has broader public health implications, as rising obesity rates and diet-related diseases place an increasing burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The promotion of overconsumption without regard for its consequences fuels unhealthy relationships with food, making it essential for both content creators and platforms to foster more responsible messaging around eating habits.
To mitigate these risks, public awareness campaigns should educate viewers about the dangers of excessive eating, and social media platforms should implement guidelines that discourage the glorification of unhealthy consumption patterns. Encouraging responsible content creation—such as incorporating discussions on balanced diets, mindful eating, and portion control—can help counteract the negative effects of mukbang. As audiences continue to engage with this genre, a more health-conscious approach is necessary to ensure entertainment does not come at the cost of long-term well-being.