Doctor warns mukbang vloggers, viewers that eating too much may cause health issues

With the mukbang challenge becoming a trend on social media, a doctor reminded both vloggers and viewers that eating too much may cause health issues in the long run.

In Sandra Aguinaldo's documentary on "i-Witness," lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Dex Macalintal said eating fatty and oily food that contains a lot of calories and cholesterol may pose a threat to one's health.

"Ang dami nilang kinakain. Usually, around 3,000 to 4,000 calories. Kung titingnan natin, sa dami ng kinakain nila, even 'yung mga putok-batok na puro cholesterol," he said.

["They eat a lot. Usually, around 3,000 to 4,000 calories. If we look at it, with how much they're eating, even the 'putok-batok' food that’s full of cholesterol."]

"Tandaan pa rin po natin na kapag mga bad cholesterol, 'yan yung nagdudulot sa 'tin ng hypertension and 'yung mga sakit sa puso," he added.

["We should remember that bad cholesterol, that's what causes hypertension and heart illnesses."]

Macalintal said that consuming too much red meat and fat may also lead to cancer.

According to Macalintal, being overweight also becomes a cause for other illnesses to follow, such as diabetes.

He advised vloggers who do mukbang challenges to be careful by eating less or adding healthy food to their meals.

"Kung kakain kayo ng marami, I would say bawasan natin nang kaunti 'yung kinakain natin. Magsama rin kayo sa videos n'yo ng partner para mabawasan 'yung inyong mga kinakain personally."

["If you'll eat a lot, I would say lessen your food a bit. Include a partner in your videos so you'll eat less personally."]

"Mag-taas ng intake ng fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes, na isasama n'yo sa recipes. That way, ma-eenganyo pa natin ang ating viewers na kumain ng katulad ng kinakain natin."

["Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes, and include them in your recipes. That way, you'll also encourage viewers to eat what you're eating."]

The mukbang is an eating activity where vloggers or influencers consume a huge amount of food.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News