Russian Dmitry Nuyanzin died at age 30 after taking part in a binge-eating challenge to promote a new weight loss program.
Several reports, which have been translated by the Daily Mail, reveal that Nuyanzin went into cardiac arrest while attempting to rapidly gain 50 pounds by eating 10,000 calories a day. Once he reached the 50 pound goal, Nuyanzin apparently planned to display how fast he could then lose the weight.
Weeks into the challenge, Nuyanzin canceled his training sessions after feeling unwell, according to local Orenburg outlets. He died in his sleep. According to the Daily Mail, he has since been laid to rest.
Nuyanzin graduated from the Orenburg Olympic Reserve School and the National Fitness University in St Petersburg and worked as a personal trainer for Russian athletes prior to his death.
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“What happens if you eat 10,000 kCal a day?” Nuyanzin asked in an Instagram caption on September 15. He continued to document the results of his challenge via social media.
“I am currently gaining weight for my weight-loss course, and this is my 10,000-calorie diet,” he told followers, according to a translation. “For breakfast, I have a plate of pastries and half a cake. For lunch, I usually eat 800 grams of dumplings with mayonnaise.”
He added, “During the day, I may snack on crisps, and for dinner, I have a burger and two small pizzas, either at a café or delivered.”
Nuyanzin’s last Instagram post was uploaded on November 18.
“I wanted it and I was able to!” he captioned the post, according to a translation.
Nuyanzin could be seen rubbing his bloated belly in the clip, which also featured him eating a bag of chips. Nuyanzin told his followers that he had reached 231 pounds, meaning that he gained about 28 pounds in one month.
Nuyanzin also appeared to open the challenge up to his followers, making it a contest.
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“You can start participating until November 10,” one Instagram caption read, noting that they would have to train with him after the fact and have a membership to a specific Russian fitness club.
“You need consent for the publication of Before/After results in case of winning,” the October 19 caption read. “Customers weighing more than 100 kg should lose 10% of their initial weight. That’s how it will be fair). We summarize the results on December 26.”
Several followers have since left comments mourning Nuyanzin’s loss.
“It’s a nightmare! I am in shock !!!! I refuse to believe this. What happened?” one commenter wrote. “Condolences to family and friends, give them strength to survive such grief.”
Another added, Rest in peace. I can’t believe it at all.”
A third thought their social media was “hacked” upon hearing the news.
“Dima was truly the best at what he did!!! You go to him for training not only for a beautiful body, but also for a good mood!!” they shared. “Always joking, energizing the whole day after training and chatting with him !!! Well, how come it is !!! Today I wanted to make an appointment only after vacation, and then this happened….Man made himself !!! Always a pleasure to watch his success!! What an incredible loss !!!!”
