Complete and Voluntary Starvation of 50 days

Elliott, B., Mina, A. and Ferrier, C. 2016. Complete and Voluntary Starvation of 50 days. Clinical Medical Insights: Case Reports. 2016:9, pp. 67-70. https://doi.org/10.4137/CCRep.S39776

TitleComplete and Voluntary Starvation of 50 days
AuthorsElliott, B.
Mina, A.
Ferrier, C.
Abstract

A 34-year-old obese male (96.8 kg; BMI, 30.2 kg m⁻¹) volitionally undertook a 50-day fast with the stated goal of losing body mass. During this time, only tea, coffee, water, and a daily multivitamin were consumed. Severe and linear loss of body mass is recorded during these 50 days (final 75.4 kg; BMI, 23.5 kg m⁻¹). A surprising resilience to effects of fasting on activity levels and physical function is noted. Plasma samples are suggestive of early impairment of liver function, and perturbations to cardiovascular dynamics are also noted. One month following resumption of feeding behavior, body weight was maintained (75.0 kg; BMI, 23.4 kg m⁻¹). Evidence-based decision-making with the fasting or hunger striking patient is limited by a lack of evidence. This case report suggests that total body mass, not mass lost, may be a key observation in clinical decision-making during fasting and starvation.

Keywordssevere fasting, hunger strike, caloric restriction
JournalClinical Medical Insights: Case Reports
Journal citation2016:9, pp. 67-70
ISSN1179-5476
Year2016
PublisherLibertas Academica
Publisher's version
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4137/CCRep.S39776
Publication dates
Published11 Aug 2016
LicenseCC BY-NC 3.0

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