HOW LONG CAN A HUMAN BEING GO WITHOUT EATING?
Long story
In 1965, a 27-year-old Irishman named Angus Barbieri who suffered from severe obesity did so for 382 days.
He survived for over a year solely on his body fat, plus of course water, other fluids and supplements, going to the bathroom approximately once every 40/50 days.
The sensational fast had been prescribed by Dr. William Kinnear Stewart and took place under controlled conditions, with frequent blood tests and hospital monitoring.
Initially, the treatment was supposed to last only 40 days, but Angus unexpectedly found himself calm, stating that his body was getting used to the absence of food and, thanks to his great desire to achieve the goal, he decided to continue with the treatment. bitter end.
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.
He broke his fast on the morning of 11 July 1966, eating a hard-boiled egg, a slice of buttered bread and a cup of coffee, stating in a later interview that he thoroughly enjoyed the meal but that it immediately made him feel full.
In 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 below 90 kg, a value that he maintained for the rest of his life.The human body is a complex and fascinating machine, capable of surviving for extended periods without food or water. But just how long can a person go without eating before their body starts to shut down? In this composition, we will explore the answer to this question and examine the effects of starvation on the human body.
*Point 1: The Initial Stage of Starvation (0-72 hours)*
When a person stops eating, their body initially uses stored glucose (sugar) for energy. This glucose is stored in the liver and muscles and can last for up to 72 hours. During this time, the body will also start to break down stored fat for energy.
*Point 2: The Breakdown of Fat (72-120 hours)*
After the initial 72 hours, the body starts to break down stored fat for energy. This process is called lipolysis, and it can provide energy for several days. However, as the body continues to break down fat, it will also start to break down muscle tissue, which can lead to a loss of strength and endurance.
*Point 3: The Effects of Starvation on the Brain (120-168 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the brain will start to feel the effects. The brain requires a constant supply of glucose to function properly, and without it, cognitive function will start to decline. This can lead to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.
*Point 4: The Breakdown of Muscle Tissue (168-240 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, it will start to break down muscle tissue for energy. This can lead to a loss of strength, endurance, and mobility. The breakdown of muscle tissue can also lead to a decrease in metabolism, making it even harder for the body to lose weight.
*Point 5: The Effects of Starvation on the Immune System (240-336 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the immune system will start to weaken. The immune system requires a constant supply of nutrients to function properly, and without them, it will start to decline. This can make the body more susceptible to illness and infection.
*Point 6: The Effects of Starvation on the Heart (336-408 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the heart will start to feel the effects. The heart requires a constant supply of nutrients to function properly, and without them, it will start to decline. This can lead to symptoms such as a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias.
*Point 7: The Effects of Starvation on the Skin (408-480 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the skin will start to feel the effects. The skin requires a constant supply of nutrients to function properly, and without them, it will start to decline. This can lead to symptoms such as dry skin, hair loss, and skin lesions.
*Point 8: The Effects of Starvation on the Reproductive System (480-552 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the reproductive system will start to feel the effects. The reproductive system requires a constant supply of nutrients to function properly, and without them, it will start to decline. This can lead to symptoms such as infertility, low libido, and menstrual irregularities.
*Point 9: The Effects of Starvation on the Nervous System (552-624 hours)*
As the body continues to starve, the nervous system will start to feel the effects. The nervous system requires a constant supply of nutrients to function properly, and without them, it will start to decline. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and seizures.
*Point 10: The Final Stage of Starvation (624+ hours)*
The final stage of starvation is characterized by complete organ failure. The body's organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, will start to shut down, leading to death. The length of time it takes to reach this stage can vary depending on several factors, including the person's age, sex, weight, and overall health.
In conclusion, the length of time a person can go without eating before their body starts to shut down can vary depending on several factors. However, as we have seen, the effects of starvation on the human body can be severe and even life-threatening. It is essential to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent starvation and its associated health risks.
About the Creator
Vickotroy “VanOfo” Anderson
God over everything 🙏 💙
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