Imagine going an entire year without eating. Now, stretch that to over a year. That’s exactly what Angus Barbieri did for 382 days, from June 1965 to 1966. Living in Tayport, Scotland, Angus survived on nothing more than tea, coffee, sparkling water, and vitamins. However, Barbieri was closely monitored by medical professionals the whole time.
His remarkable journey not only led him to lose 276 pounds but also set a world record for the longest fast ever recorded. This extraordinary story caught global attention and remains a fascinating subject in the exploration of human endurance. Let’s have a closer look at all the details.
Starting the Fast
Angus’s life before the fast was pretty average. But it was later overshadowed by his significant weight loss challenge. At the age of 27, Angus weighed 456 pounds. He worked at his father’s fish-and-chips shop and felt desperate for change.
Voluntarily admitting himself to the Royal Infirmary of Dundee, he was initially set on a short fast. His doctors were doubtful of the risks associated with prolonged fasting.
However, Angus felt differently. “I adapted so well and was eager to reach my ‘ideal’ weight,” he explained and chose to extend the fast far beyond the original plan.
The Process and Challenges of Prolonged Fasting
The medical team at Maryfield Hospital developed a plan to monitor Angus’s health through regular visits and overnight stays. They provided him with essential vitamins, electrolytes, and yeast—a source of all essential amino acids—to sustain him without solid food. For anyone wondering, he passed stools once every 30-40 days. Yep, you heard that right.
Despite the severe regimen, Angus’s health indicators remained surprisingly stable. He described his experience, saying, “Apart from feeling a wee bit weak, I feel no ill effects.”
However, the challenge was immense, both psychologically and physically. Angus had to resist the natural urge to eat and adapt to a new routine that saw him going months without consuming solid food.
Turning Points and Critical Moments
Throughout his fast, there were numerous turning points. Each visit to the hospital could have been the moment when doctors decided to end the fast. Yet, each time, they found Angus’s health to be adequately maintained, allowing the fast to continue.
The medical team carefully adjusted his supplements to cater to his body’s changing needs. They also made changes when his weight dropped and his health dynamics shifted. According to a Chicago Tribune report, Angus forgot how food tasted when he finally had his first meal after the fast. He had a boiled egg with a slice of bread and butter and told reporters; “I thoroughly [sic] enjoyed my egg and I feel very full.”
After 382 days, Angus ended his fast having reached his goal weight of 180 pounds. The end of the fast marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He maintained a healthy weight for years afterward, settling down in Warwick with his family. Angus passed away on September 7, 1990, at the of 50.
Conclusion
Reflecting on his journey, Angus’s story raises important discussions about the extremes of weight loss methods and the role of medical supervision in such drastic health decisions. His experience with prolonged fasting is not just a record-setting anecdote but a controversial chapter in the history of medical treatments for obesity. His legacy continues to spark debate on the safety and ethics of starvation therapy.
Also read,
