Fruitarian Diet Turns Deadly for Young Woman in Bali
A tragic case in Bali has highlighted the dangers of extreme diets. A 27-year-old woman, identified as Karolina Krzyzak, died of malnutrition after following a strict fruitarian diet. At the time of her death, she weighed only 22 kilograms. She was suffering from severe nutrient deficiencies, including osteoporosis and low albumin levels, both of which are linked to long-term starvation.
What Happened in Bali?
In December 2024, Karolina checked into a luxury villa at the Sumberkima Hill resort in Bali. Witnesses described her as extremely underweight, with sunken eyes, protruding collarbones, and visible weakness. Hotel staff noticed her frail state immediately and even had to help her back to her room one night because she could not walk on her own.
Her condition was further evident from physical signs: yellowing fingernails, rotting teeth, and visible muscle loss. Concerned hotel employees repeatedly urged her to seek medical care, but she refused.
Three days after her arrival, friends who had not heard from her raised concerns. When hotel staff entered her villa, they found Karolina unresponsive. She was later declared dead, with doctors confirming malnutrition as the cause.
The Risks of a Fruitarian Diet
A fruitarian diet is an extreme form of veganism where a person eats mainly raw fruits and avoids other food groups. While fruit is rich in vitamins and fibre, it lacks essential proteins, fats, and minerals needed for survival. Long-term fruitarianism can lead to:
- Severe protein deficiency (low albumin)
- Osteoporosis (weakening of bones)
- Muscle wasting and fatigue
- Organ damage due to malnutrition
In Karolina’s case, her prolonged dietary restrictions, combined with a history of anorexia and body image struggles, pushed her body beyond recovery.
Mental Health and Eating Disorders
Friends revealed that Karolina had battled anorexia during her teenage years. Later, while studying in the UK, she became interested in yoga, veganism, and eventually fruitarianism. Her social media activity reflected her declining health, prompting repeated interventions from family and friends. Unfortunately, she refused to seek medical treatment or abandon her restrictive diet.
Medical Experts Warn Against Extreme Diets
Doctors emphasise that diets like fruitarianism can cause irreversible health damage if followed long-term. While incorporating more fruits into daily meals can be healthy, completely excluding proteins, fats, and other nutrient sources is extremely dangerous. Balanced nutrition is crucial to maintain organ function, bone health, and overall survival.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Karolina Krzyzak in Bali underscores the serious risks of following a fruitarian diet without medical supervision. Extreme diets can lead to life-threatening malnutrition and organ failure. Anyone considering drastic dietary changes should consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper nutrient intake and long-term safety.
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.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 3 October 2025
- 13:00
