A tragic incident unfolded in Colachel, Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, where a 17-year-old boy, Saktheeswaran, died on Thursday after reportedly following an extreme fruit juice-only diet for three months. According to his family, the teenager adopted the diet after watching a video on YouTube, with hopes of improving his physique through exercise and dietary changes.
Family members of the teen revealed that Saktheeswaran had not consulted any medical or nutrition expert before beginning the restrictive diet. On Thursday, he suddenly complained of difficulty in breathing and collapsed at home. Though rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. Doctors suspect asphyxiation as a possible cause, but a post-mortem report is awaited for confirmation.
Active and Healthy Before Diet, Say Family
Described by relatives as a healthy and energetic young man, Saktheeswaran had recently completed his intermediate education. He was further preparing to join an engineering college. The family said he had also begun taking some unspecified medications and had started working out, all without professional supervision.
This incident has once again highlighted the dangers of extreme diets followed without proper guidance. Medical professionals warn that drastic changes to diet, especially those inspired by unverified online content, can be life-threatening. Experts advise individuals to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
Similar Case in Kerala Raises Further Alarms
A similar tragedy occurred in March 2025, when 18-year-old Sreenanda from Kannur, Kerala, died due to severe dietary restrictions and starvation. Reportedly afraid of gaining weight, she had been skipping meals and surviving on a water-only diet, influenced by online advice. She passed away while undergoing treatment after being on ventilator support.
With increasing pressure to maintain a particular body image, especially among teenagers, more young individuals are turning to extreme diet plans found on social media. Health experts are urging parents, educators, and digital platforms to spread awareness about the risks of unsupervised dieting and to promote safe, balanced health practices.
