Teen Dies After 3-Month Juice Diet Inspired by YouTube

A 17-year-old boy from Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, tragically passed away, reportedly due to complications from an extreme diet he had been following for several months. The teenager, identified as Saktheeswaran, had recently completed school and was preparing to join college in Trichy. According to his family and local authorities, his death may be linked to a strict juice-only diet he adopted after watching a video online.

What Happened?

On the day of the incident, Saktheeswaran complained of difficulty in breathing and feelings of suffocation. His family rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. The body was sent to Aasaripallam Government Hospital for a postmortem examination. Authorities are currently awaiting the medical report to confirm the exact cause of death.

Diet Without Medical Supervision

Further investigation by the police revealed that Saktheeswaran had been under stress related to his body weight. To lose weight, he began following a fruit juice-only diet for almost three months. He eliminated solid food and relied solely on juices, all without any medical advice or supervision from a nutritionist.
Reportedly, he found this diet plan on a YouTube video and began following it strictly. In addition, he had started regular workouts, possibly intensifying the effects of this restrictive diet on his body.

The Dangers of Extreme Dieting

Health professionals strongly advise against any drastic changes in diet without proper medical guidance. Extreme diets, such as juice-only or water-only regimens, may lead to serious health complications, especially in growing teenagers. Nutritional imbalances, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and organ stress are just a few of the potential risks.

A Similar Case in Kerala

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Earlier in March, an 18-year-old girl from Kannur, Kerala, also died after reportedly following a dangerous weight-loss plan she found on YouTube. Her diet involved consuming only water, which led to severe deterioration of her health. She was admitted to a hospital and placed on a ventilator, but sadly passed away a few days later.

What Parents and Teens Should Know

It is natural for young people to be conscious of their body image. However, turning to the internet for diet plans without understanding the medical implications can be dangerous, even fatal. Parents must stay vigilant and talk openly with their children about health, fitness, and body image. Encouraging healthy eating habits and consulting qualified professionals for weight management is always the safest path.

Conclusion

Saktheeswaran’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with extreme diets promoted online. As digital content continues to influence young minds, families, educators, and health authorities must spread awareness about safe nutrition practices.

Before starting any diet, especially one that eliminates entire food groups, always consult with a qualified medical professional or registered dietitian. What works for one person may not work for another, and misinformation online can cost lives.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

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.