Upon their release, the freed hostages bore striking signs of extreme malnutrition, evident in their gaunt forms. Having survived for prolonged periods on little more than bare carbohydrates, they faced severe nutritional deficiencies—lacking vital proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This release signals an urgent call for comprehensive medical care in Israel, as their physical state showcases a dire need for rehabilitation.
The human body requires a continuous flow of nutrients to function optimally. Without food, it shifts to a survival mode, breaking down fat and muscle to maintain energy balance, which drastically alters physical appearance and indicates serious malnutrition. Notably, a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18 indicates severe malnutrition, while levels below 13 are life-threatening, highlighting the gravity of their condition.
The visible effects of their starvation reveal numerous distressing symptoms:
1. Prominent Cheekbones: As fat depletes during starvation, facial muscles weaken, leaving behind sharp, hollow cheekbones.
2. Sunken Skin and Eyes: Loss of subcutaneous fat results in sagging skin, especially around delicate areas like the eyes, creating a pale and fatigued visage.
3. Prominent Adam’s Apple: Malnutrition causes muscle loss around the neck, resulting in a gaunt neck where the Adam’s apple becomes embarrassingly visible.
4. Protruding Collarbones: With the cushion of muscle and fat lost, collarbones jut out sharply, a stark reminder of their weakened state.
5. Widespread Muscle Wasting: The absence of calories forces the body to consume its own muscle, leading to noticeable shrinkage in physical stature, evoking an image of emaciation.
However, starvation’s impact extends far beyond mere appearance. The immune system falters, causing a dangerous drop in body temperature and persistent feelings of fatigue and depression. In extreme cases, this can lead to irreversible damage affecting the cardiovascular system, bones, and nervous tissues. The heart, as well as the muscles responsible for breathing and digestion, can also suffer greatly, hampering recovery and jeopardizing survival.
Rehabilitation from such profound malnutrition necessitates meticulous medical care, focusing on gradual nutritional reintroduction while monitoring organ function to avert serious risks—such as refeeding syndrome—that could pose life-threatening challenges. This comprehensive care is crucial not just for survival but for restoring the quality of life for those who have faced such unimaginable suffering.
Freed hostages exhibit alarming signs of severe malnutrition from extreme starvation, necessitating immediate medical attention in Israel. Their bodies show dramatic changes due to extended nutrient deprivation, including prominent cheekbones, sunken skin, and muscle loss. Beyond physical appearance, they face significant health risks that require careful rehabilitation to restore their health and preserve organ function.
The release of hostages, visibly affected by extreme starvation, underscores the need for immediate medical intervention. Their severe malnutrition is marked not just by an alarming weight loss but also by potential long-term health complications that require urgent and careful rehabilitation. The journey toward recovery for these individuals is fraught with challenges, emphasizing the necessity for specialized medical care in their next steps.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
