Crash diet turns fatal: Kerala teen influenced by online weight loss advice dies due to anorexia

An 18-year-old girl from Kerala died on Sunday after attempting to survive only on hot water for months. Doctors at a Thalassery hospital confirmed that she was suffering from anorexia and weighed just 24 kg at the time of her death. The teen, identified as Sree Nanda, had stopped consuming solid food for nearly six months and was undergoing treatment for her condition. As per reports, Sree Nanda was heavily influenced by online weight loss advice and was surviving on water.

Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a physician at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital, told ANI, “She was hardly 24 kgs, bedridden. Her sugar levels, sodium, and BP were low. She was put on ventilator support. But her condition did not improve, and she succumbed.”

What is anorexia?

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which individuals become excessively concerned about their weight and food intake. Those affected may take extreme measures to lose weight, even at the risk of their health. The disorder distorts body image, leading to an intense fear of gaining weight. Treatment typically includes both physical health recovery and therapy for self-esteem issues.

Hid food given by family

The teen’s family stated that her condition persisted for five to six months and that she rarely ate anything. When they provided her with food, she hid it and continued to survive only on water. As her health deteriorated, her family took her to the hospital, where doctors advised psychiatric consultation.

Two months before her death, she was taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for treatment. When she was admitted again two weeks ago, her blood sugar levels dropped, and she developed breathing issues. She was placed in the ICU but did not recover.

(With inputs from ANI)