The tragic death of a Kerala teen succumbing to 'water diet' has once highlighted the need for people to follow scientific diet and only with expert advertising. With many of them following 'hearsay' or 'quacks' online, they are putting their lives into danger. Dietician Dr T Ramalakshmi from Vasavi Hospitals Bengaluru said that many were trying to follow crash diets to become 'slim' but in the process they were risking their own lives.

She said, "If people do not eat properly, they may experience fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Many follow weight loss diets without proper consultation. In our daily activities, it is essential to eat on time to maintain energy levels. However, many adopt incorrect diet plans. Some people desire to be slim and, as a result, avoid eating properly. Many are under the wrong belief that eating more leads to obesity. However, the key is striking the right balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Those who do not exercise regularly may face adverse health effects. Additionally, individuals experiencing psychological stress or depression often lose their appetite."

She said that Anorexia nervosa was a severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. Despite being underweight, individuals with the disorder perceive themselves as overweight, leading to dangerous behaviors such as extreme food restriction and, in some cases, complete abstinence from eating.

An 18-year-old female from Thalassery, suffering from anorexia, died at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital during treatment. She is said to have gone without proper food for almost six months and lived only on water. A Meruvambai, Thalassery native, the girl died on Sunday after struggling with severe eating disorder.

Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, consultant physician at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital, said she was admitted to the ICU about 12 days ago in a very weakened condition. "She weighed only 24 kg and was bedridden. Her blood sugar, sodium, and blood pressure were alarmingly low. She was given ventilator support, but she did not recover and died," he said.

The girl had been suffering from the condition for almost five to six months prior to her death, her family and physicians said.

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder that involves a fear of becoming overweight and an unhealthy perception of body shape. People with anorexia usually limit food, exercise excessively, or use other methods in order to have a very low weight. They are underweight, yet they still feel fat and feel anxious about eating. When anorexia lasts for a long time, it can bring about malnutrition, organ failure, impaired immune function, and death. Psychological issues, peer pressure, and internet diet trends are common causes of its development. Early intervention with medical and psychological care is important to recovery and avoiding life-threatening complications.