Weight loss tip goes wrong: Teen dies after following YouTube ‘fat melt’ video using borax, used as pesticides and stain removers

In a digital world where answers are just a click away, many people turn to social media for everything from health fixes to career growth, often without checking the source or the science. Short videos promising instant results, faster weight loss, glowing skin, or overnight success, travel faster than warnings or medical advice. A 19-year-old first-year college student died after consuming a substance called ‘venkaaram’ (borax), allegedly following advice from a social media video promising quick weight loss, police said.
As per a PTI report, the incident has triggered fresh concerns over unsafe health tips circulating online and the easy availability of hazardous substances in local shops. Kalaiyarasi (19), daughter of daily wager Vel Murugan (51) and Vijayalakshmi, lived at Kamraj Cross Street in Meenambalpuram, Sellur. She was studying at a well-known private ladies’ college in Narimedu, police said. Slightly overweight, Kalaiyarasi was actively searching for weight loss solutions. Last week, she watched a video on a YouTube channel titled 'Venkaaram to melt fat and slim body', according to the police.

Purchase from local shop

On January 16, Kalaiyarasi bought ‘venkaaram’ from a native medicine shop near Thermutti, Keezhamasi Street, after watching the video, police added. The substance, commonly known as borax, is not meant for consumption.

On January 17, she consumed the substance as suggested in the video. Soon after, she developed vomiting and diarrhoea. Her mother rushed her to a private hospital in Munisalai, where she was treated and sent back home.


However, the relief did not last long.

That evening, her symptoms returned. After treatment at another nearby hospital, she came home in severe distress, complaining of intense stomach pain and blood in her stools. Police said she clung to her father and cried in pain.

Around 11 pm, her condition worsened sharply with repeated vomiting and diarrhoea. Neighbours helped rush her to Government Rajaji Hospital. Doctors declared her dead on the way, police said.

The body was sent for post-mortem and later handed over to the family. Sellur police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to her death.

Police are examining the role of the social media content and the sale of ‘venkaaram’ from the local shop as part of the probe.

Borax is used as a cleaning agent

Borax, also known as sodium borate or ‘venkaaram’, is a chemical compound widely used for non-food and industrial purposes. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent, laundry booster, and ant killer, and in making detergents, soaps, glass, ceramics, and enamel products. In households, it is sometimes used to clean surfaces or remove stains. Borax is also used in metal work, welding, and laboratory applications. Importantly, borax is not meant for human consumption. Health experts warn that ingesting borax can cause serious health problems, including stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

(Inputs from PTI)