A Grief-Stricken Nation Mourns Nihal Candan, the Fallen Star
Influencer Nihal Candan passes away, enduring a protracted battle with anorexia.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, renowned Turkish influencer Nihal Candan breathed her last at the tender age of 30. The cause of her demise? A long-time battle with anorexia nervosa.
Nihal's battle with this devastating eating disorder left her body critically emaciated, weighing a mere 23 kilograms at the time of her death. The news of her passing sent shockwaves throughout Turkey, triggering a national conversation about the hazardous effects of beauty standards perpetuated by social media and the physical and emotional toll they take on young individuals, particularly women.
In the last two years leading up to her death, Nihal lost a staggering 37 kilograms, speeding up her already dire condition. Her downfall was swift and relentless. During her treatment at a local hospital, staff desperately tried to revive her when her heart suddenly stopped. Despite their valiant efforts using CPR, they were unable to save her.
Anorexia nervosa, marked by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, drove Nihal to severely restrict her food intake. This condition took a significant toll on her health, both physically and mentally, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
Nihal, with a followers count of over 900,000 on Instagram, first gained fame in 2014 through the popular Turkish fashion show "Bu Tarz Benim." Her fame launched her own business, the Nihal Candan Beauty Center. However, her career was marred by controversy in 2023, when she and her sister were arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering. After serving time in prison, Nihal's health started to deteriorate, leading to severe anorexia and her release for immediate hospitalization in 2025.
Fashion designer Pınar Kerimoğlu shared Nihal's worsening condition before her death was confirmed by fellow influencer Sıla Doğu on Instagram. Bahar, Nihal's sister, pleaded with social media users to take action and show remorse for the slander and the devastating impact it had on Nihal's life.
Last week, Nihal celebrated her birthday with a Labubu-themed cake in the hospital, surrounded by her friends. The poignant image serves as a chilling reminder of the brief respite and light amid the dark juggernaut of anorexia that ultimately claimed her life.
Nihal's death is a stark reminder of the dangers that accompany beauty standards dictated by social media and a call to address the mental health concerns of young people grappling with these pressures. Her tragic story underscores the need for heightened awareness and support for individuals struggling with eating disorders in the face of societal and online influences.
May Nihal Candan rest in peace, and may her story spark meaningful change for future generations.
[1] Turkish Influencer Nihal Candan Dies after Brief Hospitalization, Accessed June 22nd, 2025, from Al Bawaba[2] Turkish Fashion Influencer Nihal Candan Dies at 30, Victim of Severe Anorexia, Accessed June 22nd, 2025, from CCN Turkey[3] Severe Anorexia Leads to Tragic Death of Rising Turkish Star Nihal Candan, Accessed June 22nd, 2025, from Daily Sabah[4] Popular Turkish Influencer Nihal Candan Dies after Battle with Anorexia, Accessed June 22nd, 2025, from Hürriyet Daily News
- Since her death, a national conversation about the impact of beauty standards on mental health, especially within the realm of social media, has emerged in Turkey.
- Nihal's career took a turn for the worse in 2023 when she and her sister were arrested for fraud and money laundering charges.
- In the realm of fashion and entertainment, Nihal's struggle with anorexia highlights the dangerous consequences of unattainable beauty standards perpetuated within these industries.
- Nihal's story serves as a cautionary tale about the harmful effects of weight management trends, particularly those propagated through nutrition-focused content on social media.
- The mental health challenges faced by celebrities like Nihal underscore the need for increased therapy and treatment options to support individuals in the entertainment industry.
- Despite achieving fame and success, Nihal's experience demonstrates the importance of holistic wellness, encompassing both physical and mental health.
- Nihal's death brings to light the importance of addressing and prioritizing the health-and-wellness concerns of influencers and celebrities who face immense pressure to maintain a certain image.
- In her final days, Nihal sought solace in the community, with her friends and supporters rallying around her as she faced the formidable battle against anorexia.
