How long can a human being go without eating?
In 1965, a 27-year-old Irish man named Angus Barbieri who suffered from severe obesity did it for 382 days.
Barbieri survived. It’s the longest fast ever recorded.
During his fast, he drank water, other liquids and supplements, going to the bathroom approximately once every 40/50 days.
The sensational fast had been prescribed to him by Dr. William Kinnear Stewart and occurred under controlled conditions, with frequent blood tests and hospital checks.
Extended after 40 days
The treatment should have lasted only 40 days. Barbieri found himself unexpectedly at ease stating that his body was getting used to the absence of food.
In the end, starting from an initial weight of 207 kg, he managed to lose 125 kg, thus reaching his ideal weight of 82 kg.
How he broke his fast
Then, he broke his fast on the morning of July 11, 1966, eating a hard-boiled egg, a slice of bread and butter and a cup of coffee, stating in a later interview that he enjoyed the meal very much but it immediately made him feel full.
The following months and years he continued to be monitored by doctors and the last check-up, 5 years later, showed that his weight had remained under 90 kg, a value that he maintained for the rest of his life.
Other case studies illustrating the effects of extreme fasting:
Dangers of extreme fast
Background: Dr. Linda Hazzard, a self-proclaimed fasting expert, supervised extreme fasting regimens at her “sanitarium” in Washington state in the early 1900s.
Patients were often given minimal nourishment, leading to severe malnutrition and multiple fatalities. The most famous case was that of Claire Williamson, who died after a 50-day fast under Hazzard's care, during which she lost over half her body weight.
Outcome: After Williamson’s death, Hazzard faced legal action, and the incident sparked discussions on the risks of unsupervised extreme fasting, particularly when associated with claims of therapeutic benefit. Hazzard was convicted of manslaughter, and her practices led to increased scrutiny of fasting protocols.
Dr Hazzard, the so-called “starvation doctor”, killed as many as a dozen people in the early 20th century, and they paid willingly for it, as per History Link.
Modern therapeutic fasting – the TrueNorth Health study
Background: A 2016 study at TrueNorth Health Center evaluated 768 patients who underwent supervised therapeutic fasting lasting from 5 to 40 days, with an average of about 10 days.
The fasts primarily consisted of water only and were monitored by medical professionals to treat various chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
Outcome: Patients generally reported positive results, including reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and weight loss, according to the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
The researchers, however, emphasised the importance of medical supervision in prolonged fasting to mitigate risks like electrolyte imbalances, dizziness, and nutrient deficiencies.
These cases underscore both the potential benefits and significant risks associated with extreme fasting, highlighting the importance of professional guidance and tailored approaches to fasting.
Resilience
Barbieri’s feat is a testament to the human body’s incredible resilience. His story is not just about weight loss, it’s a testament to the body’s capacity to adapt and endure the seemingly impossible.
From being the super morbidly obese and metabolically unhealthy, he stared death in the face for a year and emerged victorious, a legend who redefined the boundaries of human endurance.
Barbieri died on September 7, 1990 (at 51 years old) — 20 years past the point when he made a record-breaking fast.
A word of caution on extreme fasting
While intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, extreme fasting, such as 48-hour fasts or longer, requires careful consideration and medical supervision.
Potential risks and considerations:
Malnutrition: Prolonged fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly if not properly planned and monitored.
Muscle loss: Extreme fasting can result in muscle loss, which can negatively impact metabolism and overall health.
Electrolyte imbalances: Significant electrolyte disturbances can occur, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms.
Digestive issues: Extended fasting can disrupt the digestive system, leading to constipation, acid reflux, or other gastrointestinal problems.
(Note: This is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider or dietitian for personalised guidance.)
