Kerala: Girl Dies After Trying Water Fasting from YouTube
An 18-year-old Kerala girl died after following an extreme YouTube water fasting diet, highlighting the dangers of unsafe weight loss methods.
A tragic incident from Thalassery, Kerala, has once again highlighted the dangers of extreme diet trends on social media. An 18-year-old girl passed away due to severe health problems caused by anorexia nervosa after following a dangerous water-fasting diet she saw online.
The girl reportedly did not eat properly for almost six months. She was admitted to the ICU at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital 12 days before her death. Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a doctor at the hospital, shared that she was extremely weak, weighing only 24 kg and unable to get out of bed. Her sugar, sodium, and blood pressure levels were dangerously low. Even with a ventilator, her condition did not improve, and she sadly passed away.
Doctors revealed that the girl was obsessed with losing weight and had been struggling with an eating disorder for 5-6 months. She mostly drank hot water and kept her eating habits a secret from her family.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where a person has an extreme fear of gaining weight and eats very little, often leading to severe weight loss. Even if they are underweight, they believe they are overweight, which makes them avoid food and follow extreme diets that can be life-threatening.
This case highlights the serious risks of extreme dieting without medical supervision. Crash diets and water fasting have become popular methods for quick weight loss, but experts warn that they can cause severe health problems. Crash dieting can lead to unhealthy weight loss, weakness, a weak immune system, and even eating disorders. It can also affect brain function, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and early aging.
Senior dietician Reshma Aleem from Rela Hospital, Chennai, explained the dangers of water fasting, the diet the girl was following. She called it a "zero-calorie diet" that some people use to lose weight. While water fasting helps the body repair old cells, it is not safe for everyone. She explained that water fasting should last only 24 to 72 hours and should always be done under medical supervision. If done for too long, it can be dangerous.
Experts recommend a balanced diet along with moderate exercise as a healthier and safer way to lose weight. ISH News has translated many Satvic Movement videos on dieting and healthy eating in Indian Sign Language (ISL). Check out our playlist to learn about safe ways to lose weight. Stay healthy and stay safe!
