Live without food for how long

[Steve21]

Howdy,

I know everyone says that starving isn't the way etc, but under the logic a pound of fat is about 3500? calories that's 1.5 days intake.

If you have enough weight to lose could you literally starve the majority off without any side effects?

I'm in no way encouraging it, or advising it, Just wondering if it would still damage/effect you or is that only really when there's no fat to lose and the muscle is started to be eaten?

Thanks Steve

 

[austin_88]

I am pretty sure you can go 40 days without eating before you DIE (You can drink water).

It is less if you don't drink water.

But I could be wrong, this is just a vague fact I remember.

There is the whole 'starvation response' that could happen if you don't eat, I don't know if that is a myth or fact, but by starving yourself you would definatly lose muscle, which will lower your LBM and your metabolism.

 

[edco76]

I am no expert. I have heard it take around 30 days to starve. However its a nasty business. After fat and muscle stores are used your body will start to break down everything else. I cant remember the term but pretty much it will save the vital systems (heart and nervous system) and start to break down other organs. Another thing to note is that you will go absolutely bonkers before you starve.
I watched a doc on cannibals once (yeah, I'm like that) basically your body will shut down parts of the brain in advanced starvation. The parts that deal with rational thinking and morality. The whole "what would you do in that situation" question is pretty null because it is a physical response. When you reach a certain point in starvation you WILL do what you need to do to live. You don't even have a choice.