Extreme Diet Kills 18-Year-Old Girl in Kerala

A tragic incident has emerged in Kerala, where an 18-year-old girl lost her life due to severe malnutrition caused by an extreme diet. The teenager, who had been surviving only on water for nearly six months, passed away while undergoing treatment for her critical health condition.

Teenager’s Struggle with Anorexia

The young girl, influenced by online weight loss programs, developed an eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa. She was brought to Thalassery Co-operative Hospital in a severely weakened state and was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a consultant physician at the hospital, reported that she weighed only 24 kilograms, was bedridden, and had dangerously low levels of blood sugar, sodium, and blood pressure. Despite being placed on ventilator support, her condition did not improve, and she succumbed to the disorder.

Previous Medical Warnings

Before being admitted to Thalassery Co-operative Hospital, the teenager had been taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where doctors had warned her family about her critical condition. They had advised them to ensure she received proper nutrition and psychiatric support. However, her condition worsened over the next few weeks. Her blood sugar dropped significantly, leading to breathing difficulties, which prompted her immediate hospitalization.

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People suffering from this disorder severely restrict their calorie intake, often to dangerously low levels, resulting in malnutrition and severe health complications.

Symptoms and Effects of Anorexia

Extreme weight loss, often makes them significantly underweight for their age and height.
An intense fear of gaining weight, even when already underweight.
A distorted body image leads them to believe they are overweight despite being thin.
Obsessive calorie counting, excessive exercise, or prolonged fasting.
Avoidance of meals and hiding their food intake from family and friends.
Loss of menstrual cycles in females due to severe malnutrition.

Conclusion

Anorexia is not just about weight loss; it is a serious mental health condition that requires medical and psychological intervention. Families, friends, and healthcare professionals must recognize early signs and take action before the condition becomes life-threatening. Raising awareness about the dangers of extreme dieting and ensuring young individuals receive proper nutritional guidance can prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

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.