16-year-old eats only veggies, laxatives for 2 weeks to fit into birthday dress, hospitalised

A 16-year-old girl, identified only as Mei, from central China’s Hunan province, recently underwent a 12-hour emergency medical procedure after her extreme diet aimed at fitting into a new birthday dress led to a critical health condition.

For two weeks, Mei reportedly consumed only small portions of vegetables and laxatives, according to the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald. This dangerous regimen caused her to suddenly lose strength in her limbs and experience severe shortness of breath, after which she was rushed to a hospital, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

Medical examinations revealed that Mei’s blood potassium levels had plummeted to dangerously low levels, resulting in a serious case of hypokalemia. Dr Peng Min, Mei’s doctor at Hunan People’s Hospital, highlighted the grave dangers of this condition, stating it can lead to respiratory failure and sudden cardiac arrest. Dr Li, from another hospital in Hunan, also explained that an unbalanced diet and dehydration are common causes for a drop in the body’s potassium levels.

Mei’s experience serves as a stark warning about the severe risks associated with extreme dieting practices, particularly among young individuals. To maintain healthy potassium levels, Dr Peng advised a balanced diet that includes foods like potatoes, chicken, and bananas, along with sufficient daily water intake.