Chinese mukbang creator Chen Ziyi, known online as Yingying or Ganfan Yingying, has died after being hospitalized with dangerously low potassium levels.
Ziyi died on August 17, according to an obituary her family released on September 4. Her family did not disclose her cause of death, but some reports have said she suffered cardiac arrest in connection with her severely low potassium levels, according to Tyla.
The 24-year-old had more than one million followers through videos and livestreams centered around eating unusually large amounts of food. In one of her videos, for example, she was seen consuming between 60 and 70 eggs while promoting the product.
Was hospitalized because of low potassium
In a video posted three days before her death, Yingying opened up about her declining health. She explained that eating larger quantities could draw more viewers, causing her to feel pressure to push herself further.
That pressure had already taken a toll.
Yingying told viewers she had been hospitalized after developing hypokalaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally low level of potassium in the blood. According to Cleveland Clinic “hypokalemia is often caused by an excessive loss of potassium in your digestive tract due to vomiting, diarrhea or laxative use. Other causes include certain medications and some adrenal and genetic conditions.”
She said this was not the first time she had been hospitalized because of low potassium.
According to one report, she also previously said she had frequently made herself sick after eating. Vomiting can cause the body to lose potassium, possibly contributing to dangerously low levels.
“Health always comes first”
In the video, Yingying warned her audience: “Making money is important, but health always comes first.”
China moved to address excessive eating content in 2021 when it passed its Anti-Food Waste Law, according to Tyla. The legislation explicitly prohibits “the production, publication and dissemination of audio and video content that promotes excessive food consumption and binge eating.”
Mukbang began as a form of online entertainment in which creators ate while interacting with viewers. The format has since evolved, with many livestreams incorporating e-commerce and product promotion. That commercial element can provide creators with income, however, it can also create another incentive to push their bodies.
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