Chasing Thin, but Losing Within – A Kerala story

Chasing Thin, but Losing Within - A Kerala story

Background and Health Decline

  • A teenage girl from Thalassery Kerala, sadly passed away because of severe health problems caused by anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder. She completely avoided solid food and consumed only water for almost six months. This led to her weight declining to a serious 24 kilograms, leaving her body extremely faint.
  • Sreenanda was hospitalized, five months before her death, and doctors advised her family to ensure she is getting essential nutrition and psychiatric care. However, her condition prolonged to weaken. Two weeks before she passed away, a sudden decline in blood sugar and difficulty breathing forced that Caused to her hospitalization to Thalassery Co-operative Hospital. Here she silently refused to eat and quietly threw away the food she was given.

Medical Intervention and Outcome

  • While reaching the hospital, doctors identified that her situation is very critical and Fragile condition, restricted to bed admit with extremely very low level of blood sugar, sodium and blood pressure as well. Even though she was admitted in ventilator support, unfortunately she lost her life.

Insights into Anorexia Nervosa:

  • Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by intense weight loss and an unhealthy restriction of food intake. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight, even if they are underweight. They often see themselves as overweight despite being dangerously thin.
  • They severely limit their food intake, sometimes eating very little or nothing at all. Many engage in excessive exercise to burn calories and control their weight.   This extreme behaviour leads to malnutrition and various health problems. Without prompt medical and psychological treatment, anorexia can have life-threatening consequences.

Medical warning on extreme diet:

  • This painful case spotlights the effects of excessive dieting, particularly when influenced by doubtful Internet fads. Continuous water fasting and crash diets can result in severe lack of nutrition, electrolyte imbalances, cognitive impairment, and weakened immunity.
  • Medical experts strongly advise against these methods and highlight the importance of proper nutrition and professional support for healthy weight management.

Final outcome:

  • Nowadays, many people strive to lose weight, but they often overlook the risks of excessive dieting without medical supervision. Sreenanda’s shocking story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with eating disorders and extreme weight-loss methods. It highlights the urgent need for awareness and professional guidance for those struggling with body image issues and unhealthy dieting habits.

While the desire to lose weight is widespread, it must be approached correctly to avoid harmful consequences. Simply hitting the gym or following extreme diets like water fasting may seem effective, but they can have severe side effects. Sreenanda’s tragic case emphasizes the importance of making informed and healthy choices regarding weight management. Crash diets and unsupervised weight-loss techniques can lead to serious physical and mental health complications. Seeking expert advice ensures that individuals follow safe and sustainable methods for achieving their fitness goals. To ensure safe weight management, whether losing or gaining weight, proper nutrition education is crucial. Additionally, mental health support plays a vital role in promoting a balanced approach to body image and well-being.