Fact check: Did a weight loss remedy cause a political leader’s death?

Concerns about the risks of self-medication and false information about health on social media have been on the rise after the incident in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. Furkan Pahalwan, the former member of the Samajwadi Party, reportedly used a weight-loss supplement he had seen online. He soon suffered from serious kidney problems and died while undergoing treatment. But was his death directly caused by the remedy, or were there other underlying health concerns?

Initial reports suggested that Furkan Pahalwan ordered a weight loss medicine online after seeing advertisements on Facebook and YouTube. After further investigation done by First Check, family members clarified that he had not ordered any commercial medicine but had instead consumed a homemade concoction of cumin, fennel, and carom seeds, believing it would help in weight loss.
While these ingredients are commonly used in households, excessive consumption without medical supervision can sometimes have adverse effects. In Pahalwan’s case, his kidney function had already deteriorated before seeking treatment, according to the Ayurvedic doctor he consulted.
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Dr Dharampal Singh, the Ayurvedic expert who treated Pahalwan, reported that by the time he first visited him in November 2024, his kidney function was already severely impaired. His blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was alarmingly high at 300 mg/dL, indicating possible kidney failure. Over the next few weeks, his condition slightly improved but remained critical.
Dr Singh clarified that while Pahalwan had admitted to consuming the home remedy, it was unlikely to be the sole cause of his kidney failure. Instead, he may have had undiagnosed kidney issues that were exacerbated by his choice of treatment and delay in seeking professional medical help.
This case highlights a growing concern: the influence of social media on health decisions. Social media platforms are filled with videos promoting unverified home remedies for everything from weight loss to serious illnesses like diabetes and cancer. Always consult a doctor: No home remedy should replace medical advice, especially for serious conditions like kidney disease.
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