Efecan Kultur, who binge ate enormous amounts of food, passes away at 24
An obese Turkish TikToker known for sharing videos of himself eating has died at the age of 24. Efecan Kultur, who gained fame on TikTok for his “mukbang” streams, passed away due to obesity-related complications.
Kultur, who would binge eat enormous amounts of food, died on March 7 after three months in the hospital, Turkiye Today reported.
He had been struggling with obesity for some time, and his weight-related health issues caused his condition to worsen. The TikToker was undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Social media fame
Kultur amassed millions of views on TikTok and built a large fanbase but was eventually forced to stop broadcasting due to severe health problems, including breathing difficulties and bedsores that left him bedridden.
The 24-year-old became a social media sensation for his Mukbang videos, a genre where individuals consume large quantities of food on camera.
His content helped him gain over 156,000 followers on TikTok and 12,000 followers on Instagram.
Kultur’s last YouTube post was uploaded eight months ago, while his most recent ‘mukbang’ clip on TikTok was posted on October 15, 2024.
In the video, he revealed he was on a diet and was avoiding extra salt.
After that, subsequent clips showed him in bed, receiving medical care.
In one of his videos, Kultur was seen eating a large platter of canned grape leaves.
His death was later announced by Instagram personality Yasin Oyanik.
Mukbang trend and its risks
Although Mukbang originated in South Korea, it has gained popularity worldwide, including in Turkey.
Influencers often consume large quantities of food on camera, hoping to gain attention and boost engagement through likes and views.
Dangers of overeating
Mukbang videos have become particularly popular among teenagers, especially those between the ages of 11 and 25.
However, experts warn that overeating can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
Binge eating may also encourage vulnerable viewers, particularly young audiences, to adopt harmful eating habits.
The Turkish government is currently drafting legislation to limit social media access for teenagers under 16.
According to Healthline, overeating can lead to excess fat accumulation as it creates a calorie surplus, causing the body to store extra energy as fat.
Consistently consuming more calories than needed, particularly from fats and carbohydrates, increases the risk of obesity.
While protein is less likely to contribute to fat gain, indulging in high-calorie foods over time can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
To mitigate this risk, experts recommend focusing on lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables before consuming foods rich in fats and carbohydrates to maintain a healthier balance.
