GIANT FOOD TREND - FLEETING FUN OR A LASTING THREAT TO YOUR HEALTH?

Lately, social media has been flooded with “mukbang” videos featuring gigantic meals—from bucket-sized milk teas and oversized thick noodle soup bowls to massive seafood platters piled high with shrimp, crab, and fish. Not only do these videos garner millions of views, but they are also gradually shaping the dietary habits of today’s youth. 

🤔 But could this habit of “eating with our eyes first” pose a threat to our nutritional well-being? Join MSc. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh - Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus Clinic System, for a closer look at the nutritional perspective behind this viral trend! 

❗“Mukbang” is a popular online food trend originating in South Korea, where hosts consume large quantities of food on camera and livestream or post the footage across social media platforms. Mukbang has become a unique form of food entertainment, attracting audiences of all ages—from the elderly and young adults to children. 

1️⃣ The Bright Side: When Giant-Sized Dishes Stimulate Appetite 

There’s no denying that mukbang videos, with their vivid visuals and immersive sounds, can awaken the appetite—especially among individuals with poor eating habits or those suffering from malnutrition. 

🥗 For those looking to gain weight, mukbang can serve as a gentle form of stimulation, enhancing appetite through a combination of visual and auditory cues, making eating more enjoyable and easier to approach. 

2️⃣ The Downside: Hidden Health Risks Behind the “Fun” 

On the flip side, for individuals struggling with overweight or obesity, constant exposure to these overindulgent food contents can be a double-edged sword. Repeatedly being tempted by such images makes it harder to control portion sizes, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain. 

⛔ Over time, this habit can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, including: 

🔔 Another less-discussed yet equally alarming risk: when oversized portions keep appearing repeatedly, they can gradually become the “new normal”—especially for young viewers. This can distort one’s understanding of “enough” and “adequate” eating, leading to long-term unhealthy eating habits. 

3️⃣ Advice from a Nutrition Specialist 

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh advises: instead of blindly following the trend, individuals should focus on developing a healthy and personalized eating plan tailored to their own needs and physical conditions. 

Here are some simple but effective guidelines: 

✅ Consume enough energy to maintain a healthy weight 

✅ Balance all food groups according to the Nutrition Pyramid 

✅ Diversify foods within each group to ensure sufficient intake of natural micronutrients 

📣 Giant-sized food challenges may seem intriguing, but think twice before jumping on the trend. Instead, aim for moderate portions, choose your foods wisely, and nurture long-term health for yourself and your loved ones. 

✅ If you or your family members are facing nutritional issues such as overweight, obesity, malnutrition, or body weakness, don’t hesitate to contact CarePlus. Our experienced and dedicated team of Nutrition Specialists provides personalized nutrition counseling tailored to your specific needs. 

📊 The CarePlus Nutrition Screening Package is comprehensively designed to assess your current health status. Through anthropometric assessments, dietary analysis, and clinical evaluations, our doctors will offer personalized dietary guidance along with appropriate physical activity recommendations. 

👉 Message our fanpage or call our toll-free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment now! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group