The fitness world has been shaken by the tragic death of a social media influencer who undertook an extreme eating challenge. Dmitry Nuyanzin, a 30-year-old fitness coach, has died after attempting to consume a staggering 10,000 calories per day.
The Fatal Fitness Challenge
Nuyanzin, who boasted over 43,000 Instagram followers, embarked on this dangerous "food marathon" to promote his personal weight loss programme. His goal was to gain 55lbs (25kg) rapidly before demonstrating how his course could help him lose it all again.
This extreme calorie intake dramatically exceeded the NHS recommended daily allowance of 2,500 calories for men. As part of his promotional strategy, Nuyanzin had promised to pay £100 to any follower weighing over 100kg who managed to lose 10% of their body weight by New Year's Eve.
A Rapid and Dangerous Weight Gain
Beginning his challenge on October 21, Nuyanzin documented his progress extensively on social media. His diet consisted of burgers, pizza, crisps, pastries, and dumplings coated in mayonnaise.
In just one month, his weight soared from 92kg to 105kg – a gain of 13kg (approximately 28.5lbs). In one post detailing his eating regimen, the Orenburg-based influencer revealed: "For breakfast, I have a plate of pastries and half a cake. For lunch, I usually eat 800 grams of dumplings with mayonnaise."
He would typically snack on crisps during the day, followed by "a burger and two small pizzas" for dinner.
A Tragic Outcome and Widespread Reaction
Tragically, Nuyanzin's heart failed in his sleep mere weeks after beginning the challenge. His final Instagram post, dated November 18, showed him holding a bag of crisps and rubbing his stomach with the caption: "I wanted it, and I got it!"
The day before his death, he had cancelled training sessions, telling friends he felt unwell and intended to see a doctor. He has since been laid to rest in his hometown of Orenburg.
Tributes have poured in for the influencer described as "an amazing person", remembered as "bright" and "positive". However, many followers have expressed concern about the dangerous nature of his challenge.
One social media user commented: "It is better to prove such theories not in practice. Rest in peace." Another noted: "Well, if ever there was a cautionary tale, then this has to be it."
Medical Warnings About Extreme Diets
The British Heart Foundation warns that carrying excess weight can have severe consequences for cardiovascular health. Their guidance states that obesity can lead to fatty material building up in arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
These conditions significantly elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Nuyanzin's story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of extreme dietary practices, even when undertaken by apparently healthy individuals.
The fitness coach was a graduate of the Orenburg Olympic Reserve School and the National Fitness University in St. Petersburg. During his career, he reportedly trained members of the Russian elite alongside inspiring his online followers. He was married and had no children. An official cause of death has not been released at the time of writing.
