In a tragic incident, 18-year-old Sreenanda from Kerala’s Kannur district allegedly died due to severe health complications after following an extreme “water-only” diet for months. The first-year undergraduate student, allegedly battling Anorexia Nervosa, had been avoiding food due to an intense fear of weight gain and reliance on online diet plans.
Despite medical interventions and psychiatric recommendations, her condition deteriorated, leading to her death at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital while on ventilator support. Experts have highlighted the dangers of eating disorders and the influence of unregulated online content.
The Tragic Journey: Extreme Dieting and Missed Warnings
Sreenanda’s struggle with Anorexia Nervosa allegedly began six months ago when she drastically reduced her food intake and relied solely on water. Her family initially underestimated her condition, despite doctors allegedly urging psychiatric help. Dr Nagesh Prabhu, who treated her, stated that her sodium and sugar levels had plummeted beyond recovery. “Patients lose their sense of hunger in such cases,” he explained.
The teen weighed only 24 kg at the time of admission and was bedridden. Her relatives revealed that she allegedly followed random diet videos online, reflecting the growing influence of unverified digital content on vulnerable individuals.
Background and Broader Implications
This incident highlights the rising prevalence of eating disorders among children aged 6-18 in India. Experts warn that societal pressure to maintain unrealistic body standards and easy access to unregulated online diet plans are exacerbating these issues.
Sreenanda’s case is a grim reminder of the importance of recognising early signs of eating disorders and seeking timely psychiatric intervention. Her death allegedly underscores the need for stricter regulations on harmful digital content promoting extreme diets.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sreenanda’s story is a heartbreaking example of how societal pressures and unregulated online content can allegedly endanger lives. As a community, we must prioritise mental health awareness and foster environments that promote self-acceptance over harmful beauty standards.
Parents, educators, and policymakers should work together to ensure young individuals receive proper guidance on nutrition and mental well-being. How can we collectively combat the growing influence of harmful digital trends while fostering empathy for those struggling with eating disorders? Share your thoughts below.
