Tamil Nadu: July 25, 2025
A 17-year-old boy from Colachel died after reportedly following a strict juice only diet for 3 months, a regimen he adopted after watching a YouTube video- without consulting any medical professionals
Described by his family, as healthy and energetic, Sakteeswaran began consuming only fruit juice, avoiding all solid food. he also took unspecified medications and began exercising
On Thursday, he complained of sudden breathlessness and collapsed. despite being rushed to hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival. Doctors are conducting a post-mortem and the exact cause behind his death is still unknown
Medical experts warn that the extreme dietary practices influenced by online videos can be fatal without professional guidance. They stressed upon the importance of balanced nutrition and of consulting healthcare providers, especially for teenagers under social or body image pressure.