Angus Barbieri's fast

Angus Barbieri's fast is a notable case in medical history where a man named Angus Barbieri fasted for 382 days, from June 1965 to July 1966. This extended period of fasting is one of the longest recorded instances of a person abstaining from solid food, and it was medically supervised.

Background

Angus Barbieri was a 27-year-old man from Scotland who weighed 456 pounds (207 kg) at the start of his fast. He sought medical assistance at the Maryfield Hospital in Dundee, where he expressed a desire to lose weight. Under the supervision of medical professionals, Barbieri embarked on a fasting regimen.

The Fast

During the fast, Barbieri abstained from consuming solid food and subsisted on a diet of vitamin supplements, electrolytes, and non-caloric fluids such as tea, coffee, and sparkling water. He was closely monitored by medical staff to ensure his health and safety throughout the process.

Medical Supervision

The fast was supervised by doctors who regularly checked Barbieri's health parameters, including his blood sugar levels, to prevent any adverse effects. Despite the extreme nature of the fast, Barbieri remained in good health and continued his daily activities.

Outcome

By the end of the fast, Angus Barbieri had lost 276 pounds (125 kg), reducing his weight to 180 pounds (82 kg). He successfully maintained his weight loss after resuming a normal diet. His case has been cited in medical literature as an example of the body's ability to adapt to prolonged fasting under controlled conditions.

Significance

Angus Barbieri's fast is often referenced in discussions about fasting, weight loss, and metabolism. It highlights the potential for the human body to endure extended periods without food, provided there is adequate medical supervision and nutritional support.

Related Pages

• Fasting
• Obesity
• Metabolism
• Weight loss