On September 7th, 2024, many internet users were shocked to see a new upload from notable mukbang youtuber Nikocado Avocado, where he revealed his shocking weight loss of 250 lbs. This substantial weight loss was used by Nikocado as a social experiment regarding people’s obsession with celebrities. This video prompted a variety of reactions from different internet users either making fun of and mocking the portrayal of his journey. Others left positive comments related to how impressed they were with his weight loss.

Nikocado has gone viral in the past for his eating of large portions and his dramatic videos where he would cry, scream, and be loud. His newest video however revealed he had secretly lost a majority of his weight over the past two years. Nikocado said: 

“Today I woke up from a very long dream, and I also woke up having lost 250 lbs off of my body, yet just yesterday people were calling me fat and sick and boring and irrelevant.” 

This revelation shocked fans and haters of Nikocado who had stopped to appreciate his weight loss, but at the same time some of them continued to hate on him. However, that hate is nothing new to Nikocado. He has gone through his fair share of hatred during his time on YouTube. His main comment on the issue of humanity was:

“In reality, people are completely absorbed with Internet personalities and obsessively watch their content. That is where a deeper level of over-consumption lies — and it’s the parallel I wanted to make.” 

Afterwards he reflected on how he viewed humans, and how he stayed ahead of everyone by saying: 

“People are the most messed-up creatures on the entire planet, and yet I’ve still managed to stay two steps ahead of everyone. The joke’s on you.” 

This social experiment that he attempted might cause some to question their own presence on the internet, and how they act in relation to each other and celebrities online.

Westminster Christian Academy students Michael Gorzela and Will Havens, both sophomores, offered their reaction to the before and after pictures of Nikocado’s weight loss. The first picture shown was of Nikocado before his weight loss standing up making an odd look with his face. After examining the image Gorzela said:

 “Just a sad example on how western civilization has evolved into state obesity.”

Gorzela’s comments on the situation show how dire the obesity issue in America is, and how people who are supposed to be role models for their viewers are embracing the issue in an unhealthy way. Nikocado had constantly commented on his weight and how it was unhealthy. Havens said:

 “We as a civilization are willing to stand by and watch a man kill himself for entertainment.” 

Nikocado’s situation was dire, so the weight loss was clearly the right option for him to make. When shown a picture of Nikocado after his weight loss Gorzela said:

 “Just because you are fat doesn’t mean you have to stop eating […] He went from being fat to looking like a twig” 

And an element of distrust formed wondering if Nikocado was milking his situation for money and views. Havens said:

 ”He is just doing it for views. He might even repeat the cycle, who knows.”

Regardless of Nikocado’s intentions, the weight loss has clearly caused many to consider what they believe to be true about a person’s online content. Havens says:

”It was the greatest plot twist of the century.”