How long can an ordinary person fast without putting him/herself at risk of dying?

Question

That Broseph on Man vs. Wild claimed one can last for three weeks without food...

Answer 1

Most healthy people can last about a month without food, but you can't live past a week without fluids. Unfortunately, a fast that long does have consequences. Your body will attempt to provide calories for its function by breaking down your own tissues. By the time a month has passed, you've about broken down all your fat and so much of your muscle that your blood chemistry becomes very unstable and you actually die of heart rhythm malfunctions. You may never completely recover from a fast that long if you actually manage to survive in the first place.

Answer 2

Fluid is more important than food, so you can last 30 days without food but need a lot of fluid. People can survive longer if they are lost run out of food and water by drinking their own urine.

Answer 3

I believe that Bobby Sands did it in the 1970's protesting the IRA and lasted something like 70 plus days I think but he died because of his beliefs.It was long ago,and I as young when it happened but I know it was a long time.Good Luck.

Answer 4

People have successfully fasted for over 40 days on just water. Usually these fasts are supervised. Three weeks is definitely doable.....

Answer 5

You can get in alot of fluids and still survive.