The medically documented fast of Angus Barbieri.
Imagine not eating a single bite of food for more than a year. It sounds impossible—even fatal. But in 1965, a 27-year-old Scottish man named Angus Barbieri did exactly that. Under medical supervision, he fasted for 382 days, consuming only water, tea, black coffee, and vitamins—and lost over 125 kilograms in the process. His case remains one of the most extreme and controversial examples of therapeutic fasting ever recorded. This article examines the science, ethics, and astonishing willpower behind this real-life tale of a man who quite literally starved his way back to health.
Outline
- Introduction
- Who Was Angus Barbieri?
- The Decision to Stop Eating
- How the Fast Was Supervised
- What He Consumed (and Didn’t)
- Weight Loss and Physical Effects
- Was It Safe? Medical Viewpoints
- Life After the Fast
- What We Can Learn from This Case
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
Fasting has been practised for spiritual, cultural, and health reasons for thousands of years. But while most people fast for hours—or maybe days—very few go weeks, and even fewer go months.
Then there’s Angus Barbieri, who fasted for over a year. Not in a desert cave or monastery, but in a hospital setting, closely monitored by doctors. He began the fast at nearly 207 kg (456 lbs) and ended it at a lean 82 kg (180 lbs)—a total loss of 125 kg.
His case challenges assumptions about how long the human body can survive without food—and what’s possible with medical support and extraordinary will.
Who Was Angus Barbieri?
Angus Barbieri was a young man living in Dundee, Scotland, when he decided to seek medical help for his extreme obesity.
- Age at the start of the fast: 27 years
- Starting weight: 206.8 kg (456 lbs)
- Health issues: While otherwise functional, Angus struggled with energy, social confidence, and quality of life
- He was admitted to the Marlyn Ward of the Royal Infirmary of Dundee in 1965
Originally, doctors planned a short fast to help reset his metabolic rate. But Angus had other ideas.
The Decision to Stop Eating
After a few days of fasting, Angus asked to continue—and his doctors cautiously agreed. He felt fine, and blood tests showed no red flags.
So the fast was extended… and extended again… until it eventually lasted a jaw-dropping 382 days.
His fast became the longest medically supervised fast in recorded history.
The fast ran from:
- June 1965 to July 1966
Throughout this time, Angus never consumed solid food.
How the Fast Was Supervised
The medical team closely monitored Angus’s:
- Blood sugar levels
- Electrolytes and mineral balance
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Mental health and physical condition
He was allowed to go home during the later stages of the fast, checking in regularly for monitoring. Despite initial caution, doctors were amazed by his resilience.
The case was documented in the Postgraduate Medical Journal in 1973 and has since been referenced in numerous medical reviews.
What He Consumed (and Didn’t)
While Angus didn’t eat, he did consume:
- Water (his main intake)
- Tea and black coffee (without milk or sugar)
- Electrolyte supplements
- Vitamins, including:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Yeast for B vitamins
Interestingly, Angus reported feeling little to no hunger after the initial days—suggesting a shift in his metabolism from glucose-burning to fat-burning (ketosis).
Weight Loss and Physical Effects
By the end of the fast:
- Final weight: 82.1 kg (180.4 lbs)
- Total weight loss: 125 kg (276 lbs)
- He maintained his weight for years afterward
- His bloodwork remained stable, with no major long-term complications recorded
Side effects:
- Occasional light-headedness
- Changes in bowel habits (not surprisingly!)
- Extreme discipline and mental focus were needed
The most remarkable part? No hospitalisation was ever required during or after the fast.
Was It Safe? Medical Viewpoints
Even today, doctors strongly caution against extended fasts without supervision. Angus’s case is often viewed as:
- A fascinating medical anomaly
- A testament to human adaptability
- But not a general recommendation
Risks of long-term fasting include:
- Electrolyte imbalances (which can be fatal)
- Muscle loss and organ damage
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Heart arrhythmias
- Psychological effects
Angus’s fast worked because of:
- His high body fat reserves
- Daily medical monitoring
- Careful nutritional supplementation
In most cases, attempting a fast of this length would be highly dangerous.
Life After the Fast
After completing his fast, Angus reportedly said he felt healthier, happier, and more energetic than ever before.
- He returned to a normal eating pattern—low-calorie but balanced
- He remained at a healthy weight for several years
- He even became somewhat of a local legend in Dundee
Sadly, Angus Barbieri passed away in 1990 at the age of 51—but not due to complications from his fast. His legacy lives on in medical history.
What We Can Learn from This Case
Angus Barbieri’s story is remarkable, but it also offers important lessons:
1. The human body is astonishingly adaptable
With enough fat reserves and medical care, survival is possible far longer than many assume.
2. Obesity is not always permanent
Angus proved that even extreme obesity can be reversed—with support, structure, and patience.
3. Fasting is not one-size-fits-all
What worked for Angus might not be safe or appropriate for others.
4. Mindset matters
His personal motivation and willingness to endure hardship played a crucial role in his success.
Final Thoughts
Angus Barbieri’s year-long fast remains one of the most extraordinary weight loss stories in human history—not because it was quick or trendy, but because it was deliberate, monitored, and driven by purpose.
His case has inspired doctors, researchers, and health seekers for decades—but it’s also a reminder that extreme interventions should never be taken lightly.
So yes, a man once lived over a year without food. But his real achievement wasn’t just survival—it was the radical act of reclaiming control over his body, one day (and one cup of tea) at a time.
Because sometimes, the longest journeys begin with a single decision—and no dinner.
