A 27-year-old woman tragically passed away in Bali after adhering to an extreme “fruitarian” diet that led to severe malnutrition and ultimately her death. Karolina Krzyzak, a Polish national and former student at Leeds University, arrived at the Sumberkima Hill resort in December 2024, requesting a villa with a private pool. However, upon her arrival, the resort staff immediately noticed her alarming physical condition. She appeared emaciated, with deeply sunken eyes and collarbones that jutted sharply from her frail frame, signs that deeply concerned those who saw her.
According to the hotel employees, Karolina was so weak when she checked in that a night clerk had to carry her to her room. Despite repeated offers from staff to provide medical assistance, Karolina declined help on several occasions, according to reports by the Daily Mail. Over the days that followed, the resort staff continued to monitor her as they delivered fruit to her room. While fruit-based diets are not uncommon in wellness retreats, Karolina’s health visibly deteriorated during her stay. Staff members reported growing concerns as she became so weak she needed help simply turning over in bed.
Their worry increased when a friend, who had not heard from Karolina for some time, called the resort to check on her wellbeing. When staff entered her villa to investigate, they found Karolina unresponsive on the floor. Despite emergency efforts, she had passed away. Karolina had long battled anorexia, and recently adopted the fruitarian diet—a highly restrictive vegan diet focused primarily on consuming raw fruit, often supplemented only by nuts and seeds. At the time of her death, she reportedly weighed just three and a half stone (approximately 49 pounds).
Health experts have since highlighted the serious risks associated with such restrictive eating patterns. Melainie Rogers, a dietitian, explained to The Cut that fruitarianism does not provide adequate amounts of protein, fats, or essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. She emphasized that the body is essentially running on empty when deprived of these vital nutrients for extended periods. Registered dietitian Kate Patton from the Cleveland Clinic further stressed that fruitarianism is “not usually recommended” due to the “significant risk of malnourishment.” She noted that while fruit can be part of a balanced diet, it should not exceed 25 to 30 percent of a person’s daily food intake.
Patton added that although individuals on a fruitarian diet might experience weight loss, this is often due to muscle loss rather than healthy fat reduction, which is not a true benefit. Friends of Karolina recalled that she frequently mentioned feeling weak and lacking energy in the months prior to her death. Her tragic passing has sparked renewed calls among medical professionals and health advocates to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme diets, particularly for individuals who may already be vulnerable to eating disorders or other health complications.
The case serves as a somber reminder that restrictive diets, especially those lacking in essential nutrients, can have devastating consequences. Experts urge caution and recommend seeking professional guidance before undertaking any extreme dietary changes, particularly when underlying health conditions like anorexia are present.
