A tragic case from Bali has once again highlighted the dangers of extreme dieting and online wellness trends. Karolina Krzyżak, a 27-year-old woman from Poland, passed away on December 11, 2024, after reportedly following a strict fruit-only (fruitarian) diet for several years.
Karolina, a former student at the University of Leeds, was found dead in her hotel room, weighing only 27 kilograms at the time of her death. According to local reports, an autopsy revealed that severe malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies were the main causes.
Friends and investigators said Karolina had been battling anorexia since she was 19. Her condition worsened as she became deeply involved in online raw vegan and fruitarian communities, which often promote restrictive eating habits. Despite suffering from serious health issues such as osteoporosis and decaying teeth, she continued to avoid medical treatment.
In early 2024, Karolina had traveled to Bali in search of like-minded people and a supportive community. However, she ended up living mostly in isolation and refused medical help even as her condition deteriorated.
Her death has sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of extreme diets, especially those propagated through social media and online wellness groups. Nutrition experts stress that while plant-based diets can be healthy, completely eliminating essential nutrients can have life-threatening consequences.