Russian fitness influencer dies during extreme 10,000-calorie weight-gain challenge

A disturbing case from Russia has triggered fresh debate over dangerous online eating challenges after a popular fitness trainer died while attempting an extreme weight-gain experiment, as per reports.

According to reports, 30-year-old Dmitry Nuyanzin, a fitness coach and influencer from Orenburg, had been consuming exceptionally large quantities of fast food for weeks as part of a self-designed marathon challenge. His plan was to intentionally gain weight rapidly and then demonstrate how quickly he could lose it again, hoping the transformation would attract clients to his upcoming weight-loss programme.

Nuyanzin was reportedly eating nearly 10,000 kilocalories per day, documenting his meals, lifestyle changes and weight on social media.

The experiment ended in tragedy when he died in his sleep. Local outlet reported that preliminary findings pointed to heart failure.

The trainer had publicly set a target of adding at least 25 kg, telling followers on November 18 that he had already reached 105 kg, having gained more than 13 kg in a month. His feed frequently featured the calorie-dense fast food he was eating as part of the challenge.

Nuyanzin had packaged this routine as a demonstration of a 10,000-calorie diet linked to his upcoming programme. He even announced a reward: participants weighing over 100 kg who managed to lose 10% of their body weight by New Year would receive 10,000 rubles (about ₹11,400) from him.