A heartbreaking incident from Thalassery, Kerala, has highlighted the fatal consequences of extreme dieting influenced by online trends. An 18-year-old girl, driven by an obsession with weight loss, succumbed to severe complications caused by prolonged water fasting. The teenager, who abstained from food for nearly six months, was admitted to Thalassery Co-operative Hospital’s ICU 12 days before her death. Despite medical intervention, she could not recover.

Critical health decline and medical struggles

According to Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a consultant physician at the hospital, the girl was in an alarmingly frail condition, weighing only 24 kg and suffering from dangerously low sugar levels, sodium, and blood pressure. Her body had become too weak to respond to treatment, even with ventilator support. Tragically, her condition continued to deteriorate, leading to her untimely death.

The perils of social media-influenced dieting

The rise of extreme diet trends on social media has been linked to unhealthy and dangerous eating habits. In this case, the young girl’s diet consisted solely of hot water for several months. She reportedly concealed her eating habits from her family, reinforcing how eating disorders can develop in secrecy and go unnoticed until it is too late.

Many people turn to crash diets and fasting as a quick solution for weight loss. However, medical experts warn that such extreme measures can lead to life-threatening consequences, including severe nutritional deficiencies, organ failure, and metabolic imbalances. While fasting can have certain benefits when done correctly and under medical supervision, extreme versions-especially prolonged water fasting can cause irreversible damage to the body.

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

According to National Institutes Of Health, "Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder defined by restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight. Patients will have an intense fear of gaining weight and distorted body image with the inability to recognize the seriousness of their significantly low body weight." Individuals suffering from anorexia often view themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight. This disorder can be triggered by various factors, including societal pressures, social media influence, psychological stress, and genetic predisposition. Without early intervention and medical support, anorexia can lead to severe physical and mental health complications, including malnutrition, organ failure, and even death.

What can extreme weight loss lead to?

According to the NIH study, Anorexia can impact multiple organ systems, leading to devastating health issues. Cardiovascular complications include bradycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension, and mitral valve prolapse.

Severe weight loss can result in arrested growth, hypothermia, and muscle wasting. Skin conditions such as carotenoderma, lanugo, and xerosis are common.

Endocrine disruptions may cause osteoporosis and reproductive issues. Gastrointestinal problems include gastroparesis and constipation, especially due to laxative abuse. Hematologic complications involve bone marrow suppression and anemia, while neurological effects may lead to brain atrophy and peripheral neuropathy.

Renal and electrolyte imbalances can trigger kidney failure and metabolic disorders, especially in cases of diuretic or laxative misuse. Additionally, psychiatric symptoms such as depression, irritability, impaired concentration, and insomnia further deteriorate overall well-being. The dangers of anorexia extend even to pregnancy, increasing the risk of antenatal and postnatal complications.

Raising awareness and seeking help

This tragedy underscores the urgent need to educate people, especially young individuals, about the risks associated with extreme dieting and eating disorders. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must work together to promote healthy eating habits and ensure that those struggling with body image issues receive proper guidance and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of an eating disorder, seeking professional help can be life-saving.