Filipino Mukbang Vlogger Dies from Blood Clots After Eating Large Quantity of Fried Chicken

 

The Tragic Consequences of Excessive Eating: A Cautionary Tale from Iligan City

A Grim Reminder from the Experts

Excessive indulgence in anything can be detrimental to one's health, as reiterated by health experts. A tragic incident in Iligan City underscores this point. A well-known foody vlogger, Dongs Apatan, was hospitalized and subsequently passed away after a mukbang session. 

The Rise and Fall of a Popular Vlogger

Dongs Apatan, a father and popular vlogger with over 400,000 followers on Facebook, was known for his mukbang videos. One of his notable videos featured him eating a softened cow's head. Unfortunately, on June 14, after consuming a large quantity of fried chicken, he suffered a severe attack and was rushed to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he passed away the following day.

Family's Grief and Public Reactions

Leah, Dongs' sister, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and frustration at the mockery and spread of fake news surrounding her brother's death. She revealed that Dongs had a history of high blood pressure but was not a heavy eater. Leah is now appealing for financial support for the education of Dongs' three children who were left behind.

Medical Insights and Warnings

Dr. Tony Leachon, a cardiologist, provided insights into Dongs' condition. According to the doctors who attended to him in the emergency room, Dongs experienced blood clots in the brain, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke. Dr. Leachon explained that high blood pressure, possibly aggravated by his eating habits, caused a blood vessel in the brain to burst. He emphasized that such incidents could be linked to the type and frequency of food consumption.

The Dangers of Excessive Eating

Dr. Leachon highlighted the dangers of consuming too much salty and fatty foods, particularly meat. He warned that such a diet, if consumed daily, could lead to clogged arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. He advised moderation in eating, suggesting that half of one's plate should consist of vegetables, with small portions of meat and a preference for fish and chicken over red meat. Additionally, he cautioned against the potential negative impact of mukbang videos on viewers, who might be tempted to emulate these unhealthy eating habits.

A Lesson for All

The tragic story of Dongs Apatan serves as a lesson for everyone. Habitual excessive eating, especially of salty, fatty, and sugary foods, can lead to severe health issues. The popularity of mukbang, derived from the Korean words for "eating" and "broadcast," has raised concerns. Studies indicate that frequent viewing of such content can lead to eating disorders or internet addiction. Consequently, platforms like YouTube have implemented stricter regulations on content related to eating disorders.

This incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, particularly in diet. It also highlights the responsibility of content creators to consider the potential impact of their videos on viewers' health. For Dongs Apatan's family, the focus now is on healing and finding support for the future. For the broader community, it's a call to reflect on and adjust our habits for a healthier lifestyle.