[Life-threatening hypokalemia during a weight reducing regimen in a woman with hypertension treated with diuretics].

A case of hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis precipitated by a self-composed slimming diet in a woman treated with diuretics is presented. Cardiac stimulation and respirator treatment were required in addition to electrolyte therapy. Patients treated with diuretics should be warned against starting slimming cures without simultaneous frequent control of serum potassium.