Health experts are urging the public to adopt healthy eating habits following the death of a popular mukbang vlogger, Dongz Apatan, who suffered a stroke after consuming fried chicken. Apatan, who had over 400,000 followers on Facebook, was known for his mukbang videos, where he would consume large quantities of food on camera.
On June 14, Apatan experienced a stroke and was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away the next day. According to a report by 24 Oras, cardiologist Tony Leachon confirmed that Apatan died from a hemorrhagic stroke caused by high blood pressure and blood clots in the brain.
“According to the doctors who saw him in the emergency room, he had blood clots in the brain, which means his blood pressure spiked, causing a vessel to burst,” explained Leachon. “The cause of death was a hemorrhagic stroke.”
Leachon emphasized the dangers of extreme food consumption, particularly red meat, and recommended a balanced diet. “Eating too much salty and fatty food can clog your arteries and lead to strokes or heart attacks. It’s better to have a diet rich in fish, chicken, vegetables, and fruits,” he advised.
Apatan’s sister, Leah, noted that her brother had high blood pressure but was not a heavy eater and often ate non-fatty foods. She expressed frustration over the disrespectful comments on social media following his death. “We are deeply hurt by the jokes and disrespect. People are making fun of him without knowing the real story,” she said. “He wasn’t greedy with food and helped many people through his content.”
Leah also appealed to the public for assistance with the schooling of Apatan’s three children.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the impact of mukbang vlogs on viewers. Leachon warned that imitating such content could lead to serious health issues. “This should serve as a lesson for everyone. Habits dictate behavior, and behavior determines destiny. Overeating, especially salty, fatty, and sweet foods, is harmful,” he cautioned.
Studies have shown that consistently watching mukbang videos, which combine the Korean words for “eat” and “broadcast,” can lead to eating disorders and internet addiction. In response, platforms like YouTube have cracked down on content that promotes unhealthy eating behaviors.
