Teenage Girl Nearly Dies From Extreme Diet Trend To Fit Into Birthday Dress

16-year-old Mei from China nearly died after a horrifying “crash diet.”

She ate only small portions of vegetables and laxatives for two weeks in an attempt to fit into a new birthday dress. However, things quickly took a deadly turn.

She collapsed with shortness of breath and weakness, and doctors found she had dangerously low potassium levels, known as a life-threatening condition called hypokalaemia. She was rushed into a 12-hour emergency medical procedure to save her life. Her doctor warned that extreme dieting can lead to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

Thankfully, Mei recovered and was discharged, vowing never to try dangerous weight loss again.

Her story isn’t unique: Others in China have been hospitalized for extreme diets inspired by online trends. Experts urge a balanced diet and warn that viral “hacks” can be fatal.