HT14. SAD NEWS: 27 year old woman ends up DYing after deciding to eat only…see more

The Science Behind Extreme Diet Risks

Doctors explain that when calorie intake drops too low, the body enters “starvation mode.” In this state, it begins breaking down muscle tissue for energy, including heart muscles. Electrolyte levels — such as sodium and potassium — drop dangerously, affecting nerve and heart function.

Some detox diets also promote excessive water or laxative use, leading to dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Combined with fasting, this creates a perfect storm for cardiac failure — especially in young women with smaller body mass.

Dr. Rachel Wu, a clinical dietitian, notes that the symptoms of diet-related malnutrition often appear subtle at first: fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. “People ignore them because they think it’s just part of the process,” she said. “But by the time major symptoms appear, the damage may already be irreversible.”