Sree Nanda, an 18-year-old girl from Kerala, tragically lost her battle with anorexia on Sunday at the Thalassery Co-operative Hospital. For nearly six months, she had severely restricted her food intake, leading to a critical deterioration in her health.
Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a consultant physician, shared that Sree Nanda was admitted to the ICU around 12 days ago in an extremely fragile condition.
“She weighed only 24 kg, was completely bedridden, and her vital signs—sugar levels, sodium, and blood pressure—were alarmingly low. She was placed on ventilator support, but despite all efforts, her condition did not improve, and we lost her,” he told ANI.
This heartbreaking incident sheds light on a growing but often overlooked concern—eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, in Kerala.
My Perspective as a Clinical Psychologist
I began my journey as a clinical psychologist in 2015, receiving my training at PGIBAMS, Raipur. Over the years, I have worked across various private and public inpatient and outpatient settings in Kerala. Traditionally, eating disorders were considered rare in our state, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. However, in recent times, we have witnessed a significant spike in cases.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits that negatively impact physical and psychological well-being. These disorders often stem from deep-seated psychological distress, distorted body image, and an intense fear of weight gain. If left untreated, they can have life-threatening consequences.
Types of Eating Disorders
1. Anorexia Nervosa – Extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape.
2. Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – Recurrent episodes of uncontrollable eating, often leading to emotional distress and health complications.
4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Limited food intake due to sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or lack of interest in eating.
Why Are Eating Disorders on the Rise?
The increase in eating disorders is influenced by multiple factors, including:
Social Media & Unrealistic Body Ideals: Constant exposure to edited and filtered images sets unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction.
Social Pressure & Weight Stigma: Cultural and societal expectations reinforce the idea that thinness equals success, happiness, and desirability.
Poor & Distorted Self-Image: Individuals with low self-esteem are more vulnerable to developing unhealthy eating habits.
Personality Traits & Mental Health Conditions: Perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and high anxiety levels contribute significantly to disordered eating behaviors.
How Can We Prevent Eating Disorders?
1. Promote Body Positivity & Self-Acceptance – Encourage a healthy relationship with food and body image from a young age.
2. Educate on Media Literacy – Teach individuals to critically analyze unrealistic portrayals of beauty in media.
3. Encourage Balanced Nutrition – Develop awareness about the importance of balanced eating habits without labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’
4. Early Identification & Intervention – Recognizing warning signs like extreme dieting, withdrawal from social activities, or obsessive behaviors can save lives.
5. Seek Professional Help – Timely intervention from psychologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians can make a difference in recovery.
Sree Nanda’s story is a painful reminder that eating disorders are not just ‘urban’ problems or ‘lifestyle choices’—they are serious mental health conditions that require urgent attention. As a society, we must break the stigma, encourage open conversations, and provide the right support for those struggling.
Let’s work together to create a world where no one has to suffer in silence.