Fitness Influencer Dies After Extreme 10,000-Calorie Challenge

A tragic incident has claimed the life of Russian fitness influencer Dmitry Nuyanzin, who died following a drastic binge-eating challenge. The 30-year-old coach attempted to consume 10,000 calories per day to promote his weight loss program. His journey, which he documented on social media, resulted in an alarming weight gain of 50 lbs as part of a unique demonstration of his fitness techniques.

Nuyanzin, based in Orenburg, Russia, amassed over 43,000 followers on Instagram, where he frequently shared his diet plans and workout regimes. He had graduated from the Orenburg Olympic Reserve School and the National Fitness University in St. Petersburg, establishing a reputation as a personal trainer for elite clients over an 11-year career. His latest campaign began with an Instagram reel on October 21, 2023, showcasing his challenge to rapidly gain weight and then lose it using his nutrition strategies.

The influencer recorded himself consuming high-calorie foods, including mac and cheese, chocolate cake, and hamburgers, which increased his weight from 95 kilograms (209 lbs) to 106 kg (233 lbs). Nuyanzin also incentivized his followers by offering $100 to anyone who could lose 10% of their body weight by New Year’s. His final video, shared on November 18, 2023, depicted him eating snacks, with his weight fluctuating from 103 kg (227 lbs) to 105 kg (231 lbs).

As the month progressed, reports indicate that Nuyanzin began feeling unwell, leading him to cancel training sessions. He expressed an intention to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, three days later, he passed away in his sleep due to cardiac arrest, a shocking turn that left his followers in disbelief. One fan commented on Instagram, “It’s a nightmare! I am in shock! I refuse to believe this. Condolences to [his] family and friends.”

Tributes poured in from the fitness community, with many expressing their sorrow and highlighting Nuyanzin’s role as a mentor and coach. “An excellent coach and a wonderful mentor, and simply a good person… the news was shocking,” remarked one follower. They emphasized the fragility of life, noting how quickly a vibrant individual can be lost.

Nuyanzin is not the first social media personality to face serious health issues related to extreme eating habits. Earlier in November, South Korean mukbang star Tzuyang revealed that her teeth had suffered severe damage from consuming 30,000 calories daily. In another tragic case, Turkish mukbang influencer Efecan Kultur, aged 24, died earlier this year due to complications linked to his eating patterns.

The unfortunate fate of Dmitry Nuyanzin serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with extreme dietary practices, especially when showcased for online audiences. His legacy may prompt discussions about the pressures faced by fitness influencers to produce engaging content, sometimes at the cost of their health.