Many people skip meals to stay fit, but staying hungry for long hours can lead to serious health issues, warns Dr Anjali Phatak, Director and Clinical Nutritionist Jaipur. This habit harms your overall diet and health.
In today’s world, many people follow extreme diets to lose weight—often influenced by social media, and without professional guidance. Dr Anjali Phatak, Director and Clinical Nutritionist Jaipur, warns that such habits can lead to life-threatening disorders like Anorexia Nervosa.
A tragic case in Kerala involved an 18-year-old girl who stopped eating for six months due to a fear of gaining weight. She was later hospitalized in critical condition and sadly passed away. Doctors confirmed she was suffering from Anorexia Nervosa—a severe eating disorder where individuals starve themselves due to a distorted body image and intense fear of weight gain.
The Dangerous Effects of Starving the Body
According to Dr Anjali Phatak, prolonged fasting can cause:
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Electrolyte imbalance due to water loss
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Low sodium and potassium, which affects the brain and heart
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Risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
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Digestive issues like constipation, gas, and bloating
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Weak immunity, frequent illness, malnutrition, and edema (swelling)
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Low blood sugar (glycemia), muscle loss, and reduced bone density, which can cause osteoporosis
Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves checking clinical signs such as:
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Skin tone, nails, and overall appearance
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Blood tests to assess nutritional deficiencies
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Body composition analysis to determine the impact on weight, height, and metabolism
Dr Anjali Phatak emphasizes that treatment must be tailored to the patient’s physical and mental health status. Early diagnosis and professional guidance are key to recovery.