Exploring the potential impact: Dietitians weigh in on the controversial food consumption videos labeled as mukbangs.
Eating vast amounts of food at once isn't typically healthy for regular meals, yet videos showcasing this practice, known as "mukbang," have amassed nearly 5.8 million views. The term "mukbang" comes from combining the Korean words "meokda," which means eat, and "bangsong," which translates to broadcast. Mukbang videos typically involve an individual consuming large quantities of food while chatting with their online audience, capturing it all on camera.
Interest in mukbang has grown significantly, especially on YouTube and TikTok, with content creators frequently utilizing the term in their "eat with me" or "have a meal with me" videos. By mid-August, there were over 4 million TikTok videos using the mukbang hashtag.
Mukbang videos feature influencers, some boasting millions of followers, indulging in a variety of textured foods on camera, allowing listeners the opportunity to hear their mouthful sounds of slurping and crunching. Some food combinations are unexpected and even unappetizing, yet viewers can't seem to tear their eyes away.
Medical professionals, such as dietitians, have expressed concerns about the potential impact of this trend on viewers.
What accounts for the popularity of mukbang?
The term "mukbang" began to see an increase in searches on YouTube in early 2015, as per Google Trends, and its popularity hasn't decreased since. For off-platform web searches, the term peaked at the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
Viewers may be drawn to mukbang videos to experience a feeling of connection, as if they were sitting across the table from the mukbang creator, argued Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian in Michigan.
"Kieanna," a mukbang content creator with more than 1 million followers, reveals that her most popular videos usually showcase food that produces ASMR-like sounds. She started her mukbang journey as a viewer eight years ago, and now records around three to five videos per week from her car, sampling a wide range of menu items from popular restaurant chains, or from home after preparing meals. She occasionally experiments with unusual meals like candy-coated pizza or candy-coated hot dogs to surprise her audience with crispy sounds and shocked reactions, she explains.
“A lot of people just use it for entertainment,” she shared. “Sometimes they just say the food looks good.”
Dietitians’ concerns over mukbang
A study published in January 2020 analyzed over 5,000 mukbang videos on YouTube and found that those that were the least healthy, such as videos portraying excessive food consumption in a short time or showing reactively spicy or unappealing foods that could induce discomfort or harm, received significantly more views than the less extreme videos.
Derocha fearfully believes that the more extreme videos could potentially induce some viewers to overeat or avoid specific foods, or even lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Individuals suffering from disordered eating habits could use these videos to satisfy the illusion of eating without actually consuming food, indicated Suzanne Fisher, a registered dietitian based in Florida who works with patients seeking to improve their relationship with food.
“I think a lot of it is almost voyeuristic in nature, romanticizing what it would be like to consume such a large amount of food,” Fisher shared.
Viewers unable to discern what occurs off-camera may believe that the food is being eaten, but the mukbang creator might be spitting it away between takes, Fisher additionally pointed out.
Kieanna said she tries to be transparent with her audience in the comment section, revealing that she frequently does not consume all the food exhibited and engages in exercises off-camera.
“There’s a lot happening behind the scenes of it,” she explained. “I think people should just use it for entertainment and not take it too seriously because at the end of the day, it's just social media. Social media isn’t necessarily real, so you can't really believe everything you see.”
Not all mukbangs are created equal
Some mukbang videos could offer a positive influence, such as those encouraging others to try healthier recipes, Derocha noted. “It could potentially serve as inspiration for someone to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.”
Rosemarie Dehesa is a content creator with over half a million followers on TikTok and has posted mukbang videos featuring cooking, eating, and exercise since 2022. She enjoys creating and sharing the mukbang content to connect with others who share a passion for food globally, she stated.
“Food brings people together,” she shared. “As long as the content is positive and entertaining, I think there’s no problem.”
"Folks often ask, 'How do you maintain such a fantastic physique?' I simply ensure I'm consistently active," mentioned Dehesa. She follows a strategy of periodic calorie restriction, meets her daily step target, and puts in almost 3 hours of exercise daily.
"I make a point of being straightforward about it, as it's a significant part of my existence - food and fitness. I genuinely enjoy both," she shared.
Derocha emphasized the importance of personal health objectives, which may differ from someone else's online presence. Balancing your hunger with a combination of nutritious foods and your desired "treat" items is key, she suggested.
Maintaining awareness during mukbang sessions
Every individual will have a unique experience with mukbangs, stated Alex D’Elia, a dietitian from NYC who specializes in nutrition and mental health.
"I believe it all boils down to self-awareness and accountability as a viewer – identifying your personal triggers and recognizing if something becomes obsessive," D’Elia advised.
D’Elia suggested practicing mindfulness during both video viewing and your daily meals. Take note of how different foods affect your mental well-being.
"If you're feeling fatigued during the day or irritable, take a moment to check in. When was my last meal? What did I eat? Was it balanced?" D’Elia suggested. Use these reflections as a benchmark to determine, "I seem to feel this way after consuming this; let's see how I feel when I consume differently."
Mukbangs frequently highlight junk food or fried items that are appealing to watch due to their satisfying crunch. Fisher recommended viewing food as a spectrum rather than labeling certain choices as "wrong."
"I'm not suggesting you feast on fried foods at every meal, but also be cautious against denigrating every meal that arrives," Fisher suggested. "Finding balance in your lifestyle is vital in this regard."
Despite medical professionals expressing concerns about the potential impact of mukbang on viewers' health, some viewers are drawn to the videos for entertainment or to experience a sense of connection. For instance, Kieanna, a popular mukbang creator, reveals that her most-viewed videos often feature ASMR-like food sounds.
The popularity of mukbang can be linked to its ability to offer a feeling of connection and entertainment, as viewers feel as if they're sharing a meal with the creator. This indulgence in food on camera can sometimes lead to unexpected food combinations that keep viewers engaged, like Kieanna's candy-coated pizza or hot dogs. However, it's important for viewers to maintain awareness of their health, as extreme mukbang videos might inadvertently encourage overeating or disordered eating habits.
