Kerala Girl Dies: Water Fasting Risks

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• An 18-year-old girl from Kerala died after extreme water fasting.
• The girl was inspired by online portals promoting crash diets.
• Doctors warn against the severe health risks of prolonged fasting.
• The girl suffered from anorexia nervosa due to extreme dieting.
• Experts recommend balanced diets and regular physical activity.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

An alarming tragedy highlights the dangers of blindly following extreme diet trends. An 18-year-old girl from Thalassery, Kerala, died due to complications from anorexia nervosa after undertaking an extreme water fasting regimen influenced by online portals. This Kerala death serves as a stark reminder.

The young girl, who abstained from food for nearly six months, was admitted to the ICU at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital 12 days prior to her passing. Her prolonged fasting severely damaged her health.

Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, consultant physician at the hospital, stated, “She was hardly 24 kg and bedridden. Her sugar levels, sodium, and blood pressure were critically low. Despite ventilator support, her condition failed to improve, and she succumbed.” This paints a grim picture of her physical state.

Doctors revealed that the girl’s obsession with weight loss and an eating disorder had persisted for over five months, during which she survived primarily on hot water while hiding her eating habits from her family. This secrecy made it difficult to intervene earlier.

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterised by an obsessive fear of gaining weight. While underweight, individuals perceive themselves as overweight, leading to dangerous behaviours such as food restriction and, in some cases, complete abstinence from eating.

This tragedy brings into focus the perils of extreme diets, especially when practised without medical supervision. The lack of medical guidance exacerbated the situation.

Crash diets and water fasting have emerged as popular yet highly risky methods for rapid weight loss. Experts caution against these approaches, highlighting their potential to cause severe health complications. These complications can be life-threatening.

According to Deepti Khatuja, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, crash diets may promise quick weight loss but are inherently unsustainable and can lead to long-term health repercussions.

“Crash dieting results in unhealthy weight loss, fatigue, compromised immunity, and even eating disorders. It can impair brain function, cause electrolyte imbalances, and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and early ageing. While these diets may seem cost-effective and offer instant results, the toll they take on overall health is monumental,” she told India Today Digital. The long-term consequences outweigh any perceived benefits.

Similarly, Reshma Aleem, Senior Clinical Dietician at Rela Hospital, Chennai, emphasised the risks associated with water fasting, the diet that the girl was following.

She described it as the “zero-calorie diet,” often pursued for weight loss or spiritual reasons. Aleem added that water fasting works on the principle of autophagy, where the old cells are repaired and recycled. “However, it is not suitable for all. Usually, a water diet lasts up to 24 to 72 hours and more than that it should not be done without medical supervision. It is dangerous if done for a longer period,” she said. Medical supervision is crucial for safe fasting practices.

Water fasting beyond 72 hours, especially without medical supervision, can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and serious health risks. It’s particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions like gout, diabetes, or eating disorders. Those with pre-existing conditions should avoid water fasting altogether.

Aleem advocated for balanced diets combined with moderate physical activity as a sustainable and healthier path to weight loss. A holistic approach is essential for maintaining long-term health.

“Sometimes, we restrict on a little bit of carbs for to lose weight, or administer a 500-calorie deficit diet for each day so that they achieve a weight loss of 0.5 kg per week. The safe limit of 2 kgs of weight loss per month is ideal,” Aleem said. Gradual and sustainable weight loss is the safest approach.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Extreme water fasting led to the tragic death of a Kerala teenager.
• Online portals promoting crash diets can be harmful and misleading.
• Crash diets pose severe health risks, including anorexia and weakened immunity.
• Water fasting should only be done under strict medical supervision.
• Balanced diets and regular exercise are the safest way to lose weight.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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