Can You Survive On Fruits? Expert Explains Risks Of The ‘Infamous’ Fruitarian Diet

We are often tempted to try out new social media wellness trends. More so, if it is about a weight loss diet. Recently, the fruitarian diet made news, but for all the wrong reasons. A 27-year-old woman, who was reportedly on this extreme fruit-based diet, passed away due to starvation earlier this year. This incident came to light just about recently, and has shocked the entire wellness and nutrition science community. It also makes us rethink how safe such restrictive diets and wellness trends actually are.

To understand what a fruitarian diet is and what are the risks associated with it, we get in touch with Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist. Read on.

What Is a Fruitarian Diet?

The fruitarian diet, also known as the fruit diet, is a highly restrictive vegan diet. It eliminates all animal products, including dairy, from your diet. Those who follow this diet survive primarily on raw fruits. One can also include vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds in moderation. Cooked foods and grains, legumes and tubers are also avoided in this type of diet.

“The Fruitarian diet is one of the most restrictive eating patterns out there; more importantly, it is rarely endorsed by the nutrition science community,” says Dr Chopra. Elaborating a little on it, she adds: “Historically, people who adopted fruitarianism were drawn to the idea of eating foods in their most natural form, straight from the earth. Fruits, being rich in natural sugars, antioxidants, and fiber, were seen as ‘pure’ fuel for the body. However, as nutrition science advanced, it became clear that while fruits are an essential component of a healthy diet, they cannot be the sole source of nourishment. Lack of protein, Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids makes this diet unsustainable in the long term.”

Also Read: Once Called 'A Lazy Kid', Now Mentors 1.3 Million People About Fitness: Payal's Journey of Becoming A Mom Fitness Icon

Why Fruitarian Diet Made Headlines

Recent news brought the fruitarian diet into the headlines. A 27-year-old Polish woman named Karolina Krzyzak passed away due to starvation in a Bali hotel room. According to reports, she was following an extreme fruitarian diet. This is said to have caused her severe malnourishment. During the time of death, Karolina Krzyzak was reportedly weighing only 22 kgs.

Multiple reports further revealed that Karolina struggled with body image issues and had battled anorexia as a teenager. When she was studying in the UK, she inculcated a passion for yoga and veganism. Then she gradually adopted fruitarianism.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by caro ♡ (@carolina.mariie)

Is a Fruitarian Diet Sustainable?

Since you have already got a clear picture about what this diet is all about, let us address the most crucial question: is a fruitarian diet sustainable?

“Short-term? Yes, it can feel like a detox. Long-term? Absolutely not. Our bodies aren’t designed to thrive only on fruit. You need protein, healthy fats, and B12 — nutrients in fruits alone simply cannot give you all that. It’s like trying to run a luxury car on perfume instead of fuel… looks fancy, but it won’t take you far,” explains Dr Chopra.

The expert adds that the primary concern with this diet is the high risk of malnourishment. By eliminating key food groups — protein-rich foods, grains, and healthy fats — the diet leaves large nutritional gaps.

“This is why it is not part of any evidence-based balanced eating plan. We've seen the popularity of fruitarianism decline — and that’s a good thing. Restrictive diets often attract attention for their novelty, but in reality, balance and variety are the foundations of holistic health,” says Dr Chopra.

Benefits and Side Effects of a Fruitarian Diet

Now, let’s talk about the pros and cons of a fruitarian diet. “Sure, the fruitarian diet can give you that quick red-carpet moment — a few kilos down, skin that looks dewy, better hydration, and digestion that feels light. That’s the good part,” cites Dr Chopra.

But she quickly quips that this minor pro comes with its own set of major cons, which includes:

• A fruitarian diet is like a rollercoaster for your blood sugar. You’ll be bouncing between energy highs and sudden crashes.
• Since you’re skipping protein and healthy fats, you’re setting yourself up for nutrient deficiencies, constant fatigue, and even muscle loss.
• You may glow on the outside for a little while — but you’ll feel hollow on the inside if you push it too long.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-the-link-between-feeling-sick-after-eating-and-eating-disorders-12977824237

Risks of Restrictive Diets

In today’s world, most people are looking for a quick fix to lose weight, or keep their diabetes in control. And when they see restrictive diets, promoted by influencers, help people achieve such goals, they are sold. Restrictive diets limit your food intake and exclude entire food groups. This makes you not only limit your calories, but also specific nutrients.

“Extreme diets often backfire. With fruitarianism, the risk is weak bones, low immunity, slowed metabolism, and even hormonal chaos. I’ve seen clients lose their shine, hair, and confidence — because the body eventually rebels. Health is not about extremes, it’s about harmony,” shares Dr Chopra.

The expert concludes with a word of caution: “Don’t follow diets, follow wisdom. Your body deserves better than experiments. Trendy diets are like fashion shows — inspiring to watch, not practical to live in. If you want to try them, do it with professional guidance, keep it short, and always balance it with nutrient-rich foods. Your diet should never be a punishment — it should help you live, beautifully and powerfully.”

The Final Word

A fruitarian diet is a highly restrictive vegan diet. While fruits are an essential component of a healthy diet, they cannot be the sole source of nourishment. Thus, it is rarely endorsed by the nutrition science community.