She Took Laxatives to Lose Weight, Then Collapsed
What was supposed to be a joyful birthday celebration turned into a life-threatening emergency for a 16-year-old girl from Hunan province, China. The teenager, referred to as Mei, nearly lost her life after following a dangerous crash diet in an attempt to look slimmer for her birthday.
The Dangerous Diet: Only Vegetables and Laxatives
In the two weeks leading up to her birthday, Mei drastically changed her eating habits. Eager to fit into her birthday dress, she gave up eating nutritious, well-balanced meals. Instead, she limited herself to a few vegetables each day and began taking laxatives regularly, a harmful and unsafe way to lose weight.
This extreme and unbalanced approach caused her body to become severely weak. Rather than gaining confidence, Mei collapsed due to extreme exhaustion and severe dehydration. She became so frail that she couldn’t even stand on her own.
Rushed to the Hospital: A 12-Hour Emergency Treatment
Mei was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors found that she had critically low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia. This condition can be life-threatening, as potassium is essential for the normal functioning of muscles and nerves, especially the heart.
According to Dr. Peng Min from Hunan People’s Hospital, “Low potassium can lead to respiratory failure and even sudden cardiac arrest.” It took doctors 12 continuous hours of intensive treatment to stabilise Mei’s condition and prevent further complications.
Why Potassium Matters
Potassium is a vital mineral that helps muscles, including the heart, contract properly and supports normal nerve function. When potassium levels drop too low due to poor diet, dehydration, or excessive laxative use, it can result in symptoms like:
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
One of the attending physicians explained that rapid weight-loss methods often lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can be extremely dangerous, especially in teenagers whose bodies are still developing.
The Road to Recovery and a Strong Warning
Fortunately, Mei survived the ordeal and has since recovered. She has reportedly promised not to endanger her health again for appearance’s sake. However, her experience has served as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with unhealthy dieting.
Doctors urge people, especially teens and young adults, not to skip meals or rely on laxatives to lose weight. Instead, they recommend a balanced diet rich in potassium, which includes foods like:
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Chicken
- Beans
- Yogurt
Conclusion
Mei’s story is a cautionary tale about the pressures of body image and the dangers of extreme dieting. In today’s appearance-focused world, many young people may feel tempted to try quick fixes to look a certain way. However, these methods can come with serious, even life-threatening consequences.
Always remember: no outfit or event is worth risking your health. If you’re concerned about your weight or body image, it’s best to seek guidance from a doctor or a licensed nutritionist. Healthy changes take time, and your well-being should always come first.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
