Devastated fans rushed online to pay tribute to the ‘beautiful’ star

REALITY star Nihal Candan has tragically died aged 30 after a battle with anorexia.

The popular Turkish influencer passed away in hospital on June 21, weighing just three and a half stone.

Nihal Candan, reality TV star, pictured shortly before her death.
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Nihal Candan died aged 30 after battling with anorexiaCredit: Jam Press

Photo of Nihal Candan.
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The star rose to fame on Turkish reality TV showsCredit: Newsflash

Nihal Candan, reality TV star, wearing glasses and a purple jacket.
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Nihal launched a fashion and beauty company and amassed a huge followingCredit: Jam Press
She had reportedly dropped to the fatal weight after losing almost 40kg in the last two years.

While undergoing treatment in hospital, doctors said her heart stopped working and they were unable to revive her.

News of her death was posted online by her sister who said she called the hospital last week to enquire about her sibling’s health.

She was told Nihal’s heart had stopped and CPR was being performed. Moments later, she was pronounced dead.

Hundreds of fans have since flocked online to pay tribute to the “beautiful” woman.

“I literally cried over this. She was so young and beautiful,” said one.

“You left this world too early … But the energy, smile and memories you left behind are still with us,” said another.

The Federation of Women’s Association of Turkey also released a statement following the star’s death, condemning the “deadly pressure” society inflicts on women.

In a heartfelt post on X, the federation warned of the “life-threatening risks” of social media and TV presenting unrealistic beauty standards.

The post read: “Nihal Candan’s death due to anorexia nervosa once again reveals that the pressures and impositions placed on women’s bodies by society can reach deadly levels.”

The foundation also criticised competitions and shows that “objectify” women and push them to take “life-threatening” risks.

“This issue also reflects a broader problem of inequality. It is something we must discuss and debate extensively,” the post said.

Nihal rose to fame in 2014 during her stints on Turkish reality TV shows Bu Tarz Benim and Survivor.

Amassing nearly 900,000 followers online, she soon became a popular figure in the beauty and fashion world, later seeing her launch beauty company Nihal Candan Beauty Center.

What are the signs to look out for?

THE signs and symptoms of eating problems can vary from person to person. However, a combination of the below symptoms could be a sign that a child might need additional support:

Preoccupation with checking calorie or other ingredient content in food
Eating a restricted amount or range of foods
Binge eating
More controlling behaviours such as rules about eating, insisting on making their own meals or only using certain utensils and cutlery
Negative self-image about their weight and/or appearance
Secretiveness or avoiding eating with others
Feeling guilty after eating
Repeatedly weighing themselves
Vomiting after eating, or going to the toilet immediately after eating
Compulsive or excessive exercising
Abnormally low or high weight or changes in weight or body shape
Long-term weight stagnation or failure to grow
Complaining of poor concentration, dizziness, tiredness or feeling cold
Getting stressed at mealtimes
Low mood, anxiety or irritability
Social withdrawal

In 2023, Nihal and her sister were arrested for fraud and money laundering.

During her time in prison, the reality TV star developed a serious eating disorder, which led to her early release from prison over concerns for her health.

This comes as glamour model Katie Price recently revealed exactly how much she weighs following fan concerns over her skinny frame.

The 47-year-old first sparked worry over her shrinking appearance at the start of the year, hit out at critics on Snapchat as she zoomed in on a set of scales.

The TV personality, believed to be around 5ft 4in tall, showed her weight as 7st 12lb.

In an attempt to put fears to rest Katie, said in the video: “Everyone is so obsessed with my weight. This is what I weigh. That. That is what I weigh.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the National Eating Disorders Association at 800-931-2237, or chat with volunteers online

Photo of Nihal Candan in athletic wear.
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The star’s eating disorder started when she was in prison, serving time for fraudCredit: Jam Press

Woman making heart shape with hands at a basketball game.
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Hundreds of tributes have poured in for the 30-year-oldCredit: Jam Press

Photo of Turkish influencer Nihal Candan in a pink dress.
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The star dropped to three and a half stoneCredit: Newsflash