Teen’s Death Linked to Borax Weight Loss Tip From YouTube
A tragic incident from Tamil Nadu has drawn national attention to the deadly risks of following unverified health advice on social media. A 19-year-old college student reportedly lost her life after consuming borax for weight loss, a substance that is highly toxic and never meant for human consumption.
According to her family, the young woman was influenced by a YouTube video that promised rapid slimming within a week. In an attempt to lose weight quickly, she purchased borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, from a local shop and consumed it.
What Happened
Soon after ingesting borax, the teenager developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Although she was initially treated at a private hospital and sent home, her condition worsened. She later complained of intense abdominal pain and was rushed to a government hospital, where doctors declared her dead while being transported.
Police investigations revealed that she had been actively searching for weight-loss tips on social media platforms, highlighting the growing danger of misleading online health content.
What Is Borax (Sodium Tetraborate)?
Borax, scientifically called sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring white mineral salt. It is commonly found in dry lake beds and is valued for its alkaline properties, which make it useful for cleaning and industrial purposes.
Importantly, borax is not a food, supplement, or medicine.
Common Household and Industrial Uses of Borax
Borax is widely used in everyday products, including:
- Household cleaners and disinfectants
- Laundry detergents are a stain remover and a whitener
- Products that soften hard water
- Pest control agents to kill ants and insects
- Craft activities, such as making slime
Because of these uses, borax is often easily available, sometimes giving a false impression of safety.
Why Borax Is Dangerous to Consume or Apply to the Skin
Despite being marketed as a “natural” or “eco-friendly” product, borax is unsafe for ingestion and can be harmful even with direct skin exposure.
Health experts warn that borax and related boron-based compounds can cause serious toxicity. According to the National Institutes of Health, exposure to borax has been linked to multiple adverse health effects.
Health Effects Linked to Borax Exposure
Borax toxicity can affect several organs and systems. Reported effects include:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Skin rashes and chemical burns
- Eye irritation
- Breathing difficulties if inhaled
- Hormonal disruption
- Fertility problems in both men and women
- In extreme cases, organ failure and death
Repeated or high-dose exposure significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes.
Borax and Hormonal Health Concerns
Medical studies suggest that borax can interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system. In men, it may reduce sperm count and libido. In women, it has been associated with reduced ovulation and fertility issues. These effects make the use of borax for weight loss especially dangerous and medically unjustifiable.
Is There Any Safe Way to Use Borax?
Borax can be used safely only for cleaning purposes, and even then, with caution. Safety measures include:
- Wearing gloves while handling
- Avoiding inhalation of dust
- Keeping it away from children and food items
- Never mixing it with consumable substances
It should never be eaten, drunk, or applied directly to the skin for health or cosmetic reasons.
A Critical Warning Against Online Weight-Loss Myths
This heartbreaking case underscores a vital public health message: there is no safe shortcut to weight loss. Claims promoting borax weight loss or other chemical substances are not only false but potentially fatal.
Doctors strongly advise relying only on evidence-based medical guidance, balanced nutrition, and professional support for weight management. Social media videos are not substitutes for medical advice.
Conclusion
The loss of a young life due to borax weight loss misinformation is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unverified online health trends. Increased awareness, stricter regulation of digital content, and open conversations about safe weight management are urgently needed to prevent similar tragedies 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.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 24 January 2026
- 22:00
