24-year-old Chinese influencer Pan Xiaoting dies during livestream Mukbang session

Tragedy struck the Chinese social media scene as 24-year-old influencer Pan Xiaoting died during a livestream Mukbang session on July 14.
Mukbang, a popular trend originating from South Korea, involves hosts consuming large quantities of food in front of a live audience. Pan, who had gained a substantial following, succumbed to the extreme demands of this trend.
Initially working as a waitress, Pan Xiaoting started livestreaming as a side hustle to supplement her income.Her popularity soared, prompting her to leave her job and focus on streaming full-time. This career shift brought her significant income and numerous gifts from her fans.
Despite her family's concerns about the impact of her profession on her health, Pan continued to push herself to extreme limits. She rented a separate studio for her streaming sessions to ensure a more professional setup. However, her dedication came at a high cost. She often consumed up to 10 kg of food in a single session and spent up to 10 hours a day eating. These extreme eating habits led to multiple hospitalisations, including one due to gastric bleeding.
At the time of her death, Pan weighed 300 kg. Although the official cause of death was not disclosed, reports indicate that her stomach was filled with undigested food, and the lower part was deformed. An autopsy confirmed the severe damage caused by her excessive eating.
According to Creaders.net, her parents were concerned about her dangerous eating habits, urging her to stop. "What's the point of making more money? Do you know how much harm this does to your body?" they asked. Pan, however, reassured them, claiming she could "bear the risk."
The incident has sparked a wave of health concerns on social media. Many are questioning the need for such extreme challenges and the pressures influencers face to entertain their audiences. Pan Xiaoting's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of Mukbang and the importance of prioritising health over social media fame.