Turkish reality television star and social media influencer Nihal Candan died at the age of 30 on 21 Jun 2025 after battling severe anorexia nervosa.
The popular influencer weighed just 23 kilograms when she passed away.
Reality TV Star’s Fatal Weight Loss Sparks Anorexia Awareness
Candan’s heart stopped while she was receiving treatment. Doctors performed CPR but were unable to revive her.
Her sister received the devastating news during a phone call to the hospital, when she called to inquire about Candan’s condition.
The influencer had lost nearly 37 kilograms over the past two years, following the development of an eating disorder during her imprisonment in 2023.
Born Gulnihal Candan on 15 Jun 1995 in Mersin, Turkey, she rose to fame in 2014 through her participation in Turkish reality TV shows Bu Tarz Benim and Survivor.
Her unique style and media presence quickly gained her recognition in the entertainment industry.
Social Media Empire and Beauty Business Success
Candan built a substantial social media following, amassing nearly 900,000 followers across platforms. She leveraged her popularity to establish herself as a prominent figure in Turkey’s beauty and fashion sector.
The entrepreneur launched Nihal Candan Beauty Center, expanding her influence beyond television into the business world. Her company focused on beauty services and products, capitalizing on her expertise in fashion and lifestyle content.
Her Instagram presence allowed her to influence thousands of followers in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle choices. She regularly shared content about beauty trends, fashion advice, and personal experiences.
Legal Troubles and Health Deterioration Behind Bars
In 2023, Candan and her sister Bahar Candan were arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering. The charges related to a scheme involving the illegal sale of cars at reduced prices.
During her imprisonment, Candan’s mental and physical health deteriorated significantly. She developed severe anorexia nervosa while incarcerated, leading to her early release in early 2025 due to life-threatening health concerns.
Her sister Bahar made a public appeal days before Candan’s death, stating that Nihal could not cope with the psychological burden of her experiences. She requested public assistance to help save her sister’s life.
Hundreds of fans paid tribute to Candan online following news of her death. The Federation of Women’s Association of Turkey released a statement condemning the “deadly pressure” society places on women regarding body image and beauty standards.
The federation’s statement on X warned that social media and television promote unrealistic beauty standards, posing “life-threatening risks” to women.
The organization criticized competitions and shows that “objectify” women and encourage them to take dangerous risks with their health.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
