An 18-year-old girl from Kerala, Sree Nanda, who was battling anorexia, passed away on Sunday at a hospital in Thalassery where she was receiving treatment. Reports indicate that she had refrained from consuming adequate food for nearly six months. According to ANI, she relied on online resources for weight loss diets and was subsisting primarily on water.

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is a severe eating disorder marked by a distorted perception of body image and an overwhelming fear of weight gain, resulting in restrictive eating behaviors and considerable weight loss. Before exploring the factors that contribute to anorexia, it is essential to examine Sree Nanda's situation.

What happened to the Kerala teen?

As reported by Sree Nanda's family and medical professionals, her struggle with anorexia lasted approximately five to six months. She reportedly consumed very little food and concealed her eating habits from her family. About five months ago, she was admitted to the hospital, where doctors emphasized the necessity of proper nutrition and recommended psychiatric evaluation.

Dr. Nagesh Manohar Prabhu, a consultant physician at Thalassery Co-operative Hospital, informed ANI that Sree Nanda was admitted to the ICU approximately 12 days prior. He stated, "She weighed merely 24 kg and was bedridden. Her blood sugar, sodium levels, and blood pressure were critically low. She required ventilator support, but her condition did not improve, leading to her unfortunate demise."

A relative disclosed to ANI that Sree Nanda would often conceal the food provided by her parents and subsisted on hot water. Two months ago, she was taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for tests, where doctors advised her family to ensure she ate and sought psychiatric help. Two weeks ago, her blood sugar levels plummeted, and she experienced respiratory difficulties, necessitating her immediate transfer to Thalassery Co-operative Hospital.

What causes anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is classified as an eating disorder characterized by an intense preoccupation with weight and dietary habits. According to a 2016 study conducted by Columbia University Medical Centre, a variety of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the onset of eating disorders. The research indicated that, in addition to genetic predispositions, social pressures such as feelings of isolation and the influence of peer expectations—particularly the aspiration to achieve a slender physique—can provoke anorexia in adolescents. This disorder is associated with a mortality rate ranging from 8 to 15 percent, making it the most lethal among psychiatric conditions.

Anorexia nervosa can alter brain’s response to taste

The disorder has been shown to affect the brain's circuitry and the mechanisms involved in taste and reward processing, as revealed by a 2018 study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. While the majority of individuals enjoy sweet flavors, those suffering from anorexia tend to associate sweetness with potential weight gain, leading them to avoid such foods. The study found that brain activity in individuals with anorexia was negatively correlated with the enjoyment typically derived from consuming sugar.

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