Viral Junk Food Claim After UP Teen’s Death: Here’s truth

An 11th-standard student from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh, Ahana, passed away recently at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, triggering widespread speculation on social media. Several viral posts claimed that the teenager’s fondness for junk food caused a serious intestinal infection and led to her death.

What Really Caused the Teen’s Death?

According to doctors and hospital sources, Ahana did not die due to eating fast or junk food. She was suffering from multiple serious medical conditions, which together led to her death.
She was admitted to AIIMS on December 19 in a critical condition. By the time she reached the hospital, she was already battling severe typhoid fever, which had progressed to a dangerous stage.

Severe Typhoid Led to Intestinal Damage

Doctors explained that Ahana’s typhoid infection had caused perforation (a hole) in her intestines. In such situations, surgery is often delayed until the infection is controlled, as operating too early can be life-threatening.
In addition, hospital sources confirmed that she also had symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis (TB). These overlapping illnesses placed immense stress on her body.
Due to these complications, her condition worsened, and she passed away on December 21.

Doctors Confirm: Junk Food Was Not the Cause

Medical experts have made it clear that there is no scientific proof linking the teenager’s death directly to eating junk food. Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Vice Chairman of Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained that fast food cannot cause the intestines to suddenly rupture or lead to immediate death.
He said that intestinal perforation usually occurs due to a serious infection or a blockage, not because of eating fast food. While junk food can affect digestion or overall health if consumed regularly over time, it does not cause the intestines to burst. This expert opinion clearly debunks the viral claim and confirms that the narrative suggesting the UP teen died due to excess junk food is misleading and incorrect.

Family’s Statement

In a conversation with the media, a relative of the student explained that doctors at AIIMS informed the family that the immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest.
The family expressed satisfaction with the medical care provided and confirmed that no doctor officially blamed junk food for her death.
However, the relative shared a personal belief that long-term consumption of processed foods may have weakened her health. This, doctors emphasize, is a personal opinion, not a medical conclusion.

Her Medical History Before AIIMS Admission

Earlier in December, Ahana had undergone intestinal surgery at a private hospital in Moradabad due to severe abdominal complications. She spent several days in the ICU and was later discharged. Following ongoing health concerns, doctors advised the family to take her to Delhi for advanced treatment, which led to her admission at AIIMS.

Can Fast Food Ever Be Fatal?

Doctors stress that while excessive junk food intake can contribute to obesity, nutritional deficiencies, liver issues, and digestive problems, it does not directly cause sudden death.
Long-term unhealthy eating may worsen existing conditions, but it cannot be singled out as a standalone cause in this case. Therefore, repeating the claim that Did UP teen die of excess junk food is medically inaccurate.

Conclusion

Medical evidence confirms that the UP teenager’s death was caused by severe infections and complications, including typhoid-related intestinal perforation and cardiac arrest, not junk food.

Health experts urge the public to rely on verified medical information and avoid spreading sensational claims that lack scientific backing.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

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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.