Mukbang has naturally developed as a food culture alongside the rise of single-person households. For those who eat alone, mukbang alleviates loneliness. Watching videos while eating has become an everyday habit these days. However, avoiding eating meals while watching videos is advisable if you value your health. We explored the impact of mukbang on our bodies and the correct way to eat.
Beware of Distracted Eating
Eating while looking at your smartphone can be quite distracting, and research shows a direct link between distraction and weight gain. Distracted eating can lead to overeating, cause you to feel hungry again shortly after eating, and hinder your ability to taste the food properly. Distracted eating refers to not being entirely focused on your meal. Engaging in other activities while eating disrupts your brain’s signals, preventing you from thoroughly enjoying the act of eating.
Subtle Effects on Eating Habits
Mukbangs are everywhere on YouTube. Studies show that watching mukbang and cooking videos can actually alter viewers’ eating habits. People start mimicking what they see, eat late at night out of habit, and get used to spicy and salty foods. Many respondents also reported eating more and eating faster after watching such content. Even if you’re unaware, these videos subtly influence your eating behaviors.
Reduced Meal Satisfaction
Watching TV or using a smartphone while eating often prevents you from enjoying the food itself. Your brain may fail to properly recognize the food, leading to a blurred dining experience that ultimately reduces satisfaction. After eating, you might not feel full, which can lead to snacking or consuming unnecessary food. Furthermore, a lack of focus during meals can cause you to eat faster or chew food inadequately, burdening your stomach and leading to discomfort such as heartburn, abdominal pain, or indigestion.
Decreased Ability to Detect Flavors
Distracted eating diminishes your ability to detect sweet flavors and bitter, sour, and salty tastes. When you eat, your brain releases hormones that signal fullness. However, you may miss these signals if you’re distracted during this process. Therefore, it’s essential to consciously slow down your eating pace and develop a habit of savoring your food’s flavors, aromas, and textures.
The Problem of Provocative Content
Another issue with mukbang is its provocative content. Typically, mukbang features individuals rapidly consuming mountains of food, such as piles of chicken or large servings of intestines, while making sounds that stimulate the appetite. Videos showcasing people devouring 20 packets of ramen or 10 pizzas in one sitting have become commonplace.
High Mortality Rates Among Mukbang YouTubers
In recent years, multiple mukbang YouTubers have died globally. In July 2024, a Chinese YouTuber passed away while eating over 10 kg of food during a live broadcast, with the cause of death confirmed as overeating. Even if it doesn’t lead to immediate death, chronic overeating severely harms the body. It’s not just the creators—viewers are also at risk, as watching these videos can increase appetite and the risk of obesity.
Smartphones: Breeding Grounds for Bacteria
Nowadays, everything happens on smartphones rather than on TV. However, smartphones often harbor bacteria like Pseudomonas and E. coli. Pseudomonas can cause respiratory or skin infections, while E. coli is linked to gastrointestinal infections that lead to nausea and vomiting. Our hands come into contact with dozens of objects daily, transferring bacteria to the smartphone’s surface. To avoid infection risks, wash your hands before meals and avoid touching your phone while eating.
Stop Before It Becomes a Habit
If watching broadcasts while eating has become a habit, ensure it does not lead to increased appetite but remains a source of vicarious satisfaction. It’s crucial to set a clear intention not to overeat and to practice moderation. If you find this difficult, it might be better to stop watching these videos altogether. If overeating has already become a habit, consider getting regular blood sugar, liver function, and cholesterol tests twice a year.
If You Must Watch Something…
As audiences tire of excessive eating content, videos featuring light eaters are gaining popularity. These creators chew slowly and enjoy smaller portions while feeling full, offering a unique appeal. If you must watch something while eating, switch from highly stimulating mukbang videos to soothing, light-eating content for a healthier experience.
Practice Mindful Eating
Experts advise turning off electronic devices like smartphones and TVs during meals to enjoy the experience of eating fully. This practice, known as mindful eating, encourages you to slow down your eating pace and pay attention to the hunger you feel before a meal and the fullness you experience. It’s also important to focus on the taste and smell of the food and to embrace these sensations positively.
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