In a world were pain is packaged as comedy, are we truly glamourizing binge eating- or glorifying self-destruction? Mukbangs flock our social media feeds; spectacles of excessive consumption, where eating becomes a performance of suffering, masked as entertainment or a “coping mechanism.” These videos- designed for rage bate, fame, fortune and followers normalise harmful behaviours under the mask of indulgence. This petition is our statement of resistance; Mukbangs should be banned and formally recognised as dangerous, exploitative practices that distort relationship with food, health and emotions.

Mukbangs promote harmful eating behaviours, including extreme overeating and, in some cases purging. These performances often glamourise binge eating and obesity, leading to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A tragic example of the effect of Mukbangs is Turkish tiktoker Efecan Kultur, who gained over 156,000 followers by posting videos of mukbang. In 2024, at just 24 years old, Kultur died from obesity related complications- his fame built on such a practice that untimely cost him his life. Sadly, his story is by no means unique; other mukbang influencers have reportedly died young from strokes and health emergencies that have sprung from their eating habits. As these cases multiply, I’ve grown increasingly concerned for the young creators who shovel food into their mouths for views, blissfully unaware, or avoiding, the reality of the physical toll. Mukbangs may seem like a harmless entertainment, but they normalise self-destructive behaviour- and the consequences can be fatal.

Mukbangs don’t only have a physical toll- they unravel the creators mental health. The pressure to consume massive amounts of food on camera has been linked to eating disorders such as CHSP (chewing and spitting), Bulimia and Binge eating disorder (BED). Many creators report cycles of purging and guilt, trapped in a continuous loop between performance and self-harm. The consequences of these patterns spread far beyond digestion; obesity and poor nutrition can also trigger oxidative stress, a biological imbalance that contributes to cancerous tumours and Alzheimer’s. Yet the psychological damage runs deeper. Mukbang creators often face public scrutiny, cyberbullying and a restless demand to escalate their content. This environment fosters low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation. Mukbangs may masquerade as quirky and gross entertainment, but behind the screen lies a dangerous ritual of emotional erosion. The cost of a Mukbang is not just calories—it’s identity, dignity, and mental stability.

Mukbangs don’t just harm the creators—they disturb, trigger, and disgust the viewers. For the over 5% of the population who struggle with eating disorders, this content can be dangerously harmful, reinforcing self-destructive behaviors like starvation, bingeing, purging, and compulsive exercise. These videos often feature overwhelming quantities of food—many of which are “fear foods” for those in recovery—making them emotionally harmful and deeply upsetting. Beyond the eating disorder community, many viewers find mukbangs nauseating and grotesque, often losing their appetite for hours afterward. A study published in BMC Psychiatry revealed that 47.5% of 1,200 Korean adults had watched mukbangs, and among them, the depression rate was 18.4%. Adolescences and young adults have a higher view rate- and this is when their brain is still developing and linking neurological connections. Those who watched more than three times a week showed significantly higher odds of depression. So, we must ask: Do we really want to keep promoting content that contributes to emotional distress, mental illness and loss of appetite? One that primarily could disfigure the younger generation?  Mukbangs don’t just normalize binge eating—they glamorize it. They teach viewers that consuming excessive amounts of food in one sitting is “okay,” even admirable. Mukbang glamourises unhealthy behaviours, leading to emotional distress for the viewer watching.

Mukbangs are more than just videos- they are visual rituals of harm, glamourising behaviours that destroy bodies and unravel minds, and trigger vulnerable viewers. From the heavy toll of binge eating and purging to the emotional devastation of depression, anxiety and disordered eating, the evidence is undeniable. These “performances” normalise suffering, reward self-destruction , and spread dangerous messages to millions. We must stop calling it entertainment and name it by what it truly is: exploitation. We should also offer support to these Mukbang creators, showing them compassion and empathy as well as the people who struggle with Mukbang watching addiction. By banning Mukbangs and recognising them as harmful content we take a stand- for health, for dignity and for the constant lives unravelling behind the screen. 

So please sign our petition, share it with your friends, and help make this world a healthier and happier place!