In an incident from Meruvambayi, Kerala, a 19-year-old woman, Sreenanda, lost her life after following an extreme “water fasting” regimen for nearly a year. A first-year degree student, she had reportedly been influenced by weight loss advice found online. Her journey toward an unhealthy pursuit of weight loss tragically ended on Saturday, after days of battling for her life on ventilator support at Thalassery Cooperative Hospital.
According to Dr. Nagesh Prabhu, who was in charge of her treatment, Sreenanda was severely underweight and bedridden when she was brought in. Despite being placed on ventilator support for four days, she succumbed to complications arising from anorexia nervosa—a severe eating disorder that impacts both mental and physical health. Her death has sparked shock and concern, bringing to light the dark side of social media diet fads and the serious risks they pose, particularly to young people.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is not a lifestyle choice, but a complex medical condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals suffering from anorexia may see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight.
The disorder frequently manifests through extreme dietary restrictions, obsessive calorie counting, and abnormal eating habits. Many individuals with anorexia use food control as a way to cope with underlying stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Although anorexia affects people across ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, it is most commonly seen in young women, typically starting during the teenage years. Alarmingly, the incidence of anorexia in girls aged 15 to 19 has been steadily increasing every decade since 1930 (John Hopkins).
Sreenanda’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with unhealthy dieting practices and the relentless pursuit of unrealistic body standards. It is essential to understand that a healthy lifestyle should focus on overall well-being, not merely physical appearance. Diets and exercise routines should be guided by qualified health professionals, emphasizing balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness.
As we navigate a world increasingly influenced by curated social media images and diet trends, let us prioritize health over the illusion of perfection. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. Your body deserves nourishment, care, and respect—true health comes from balance, not extremes.
Read More: Deconstructing Pop Culture’s Impact on Eating Disorders
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