Once thought to be a Western phenomenon, Anorexia Nervosa is silently spreading in Kerala, and it recently claimed a young life too. In this episode of News Brake, we discuss the rise of this disorder, its causes, warning signs, and why early intervention is crucial.
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[00:00:00] When an 18-year-old girl in Kerala's Karnur succumbed to self-starvation, early reports blamed an extreme diet she picked up from YouTube. But deeper investigation reveals a more alarming reality. She suffered from a condition long believed to exist only in the West. How did it arrive here unnoticed?
[00:00:27] Hi and welcome to News Break. I am Deepa Soman and in today's episode we are exploring how a serious disorder, once thought to exist only in pop culture references of the West, has quietly made its way into Kerala. It's hard to believe, but the condition that claimed the life of a young girl in Karnur was Anorexia nervosa, a complex psychological disorder deeply linked to food habits and mental health.
[00:00:56] The severity of the condition and the fact that it can be fatal is something many are only now beginning to realize. According to doctors, Anorexia nervosa is a growing concern in Kerala. It primarily affects young women between the ages of 12 and 25, especially in urban areas.
[00:01:16] While research is still ongoing as to why women are more prone to it, factors like hormonal changes, cultural expectations and brain activity are believed to play a role. Anorexia is also linked to borderline personality disorder which includes symptoms like mood swings, impulsivity and self-harm. To highlight how severe this disorder can be, let me share a real-life case shared by a doctor.
[00:01:45] A 14-year-old girl's weight dropped from 42 kg to 21 kg in just 3 months. She believed she was overweight despite being dangerously thin. Her condition became critical, low blood pressure, weak pulse and severe fatigue. She had to be hospitalized and fed through a nasogastric tube. A team of specialists, including a dietitian and psychologist, work together to help her recover.
[00:02:15] After 6 months, she gained 35 kg and is now eating regularly, though she still struggles with body image issues. Why are cases of anorexia increasing? Experts say a major factor is social media and OTT content which glamorize the size 0 body type. Many young people develop an unhealthy obsession with achieving unrealistic body standards, leading to extreme dieting and overexercising.
[00:02:44] How to treat the condition? Treating anorexia is challenging because it requires a multidisciplinary approach. Patients often need hospitalization, sometimes even tube feeding. Recovery can take weeks or even months and if left untreated, it can be fatal. Another issue is the lack of psychiatrists trained in treating eating disorders which makes expert intervention even more crucial.
[00:03:12] Are you worried someone you know might be suffering from this condition? Here are some key red flags. Losing more than 5 kg in a month. Missing periods for over 3 months. Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Having an emaciated, dull appearance. Low blood pressure and pulse. Frequent drowsiness. If you notice these signs, seek professional help immediately. How can family and friends support someone struggling from anorexia?
[00:03:41] Experts recommend offering small, frequent meals and encouraging them with positive conversations. However, if their condition worsens, it's important to consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional. Anorexia is not just dieting gone too far. It's a serious mental health disorder that requires medical intervention. If you suspect someone is struggling, take action early. Awareness and timely treatment can save lives.
[00:04:10] That's it for today's episode. This is On Manorama's News Break, an explainer podcast produced by Haritha Benjamin. It airs every week and is available on all podcast platforms. Follow On Manorama for more updates.