Sonam Wangchuk’s 8-Day Fast Sparks Health Concerns: What Happens to Your Body Without Food
HealthAuthored by:Ashima Sharda MahindraUpdated Jul 6, 2026, 08:04 ISTSonam Wangchuk's 8-day hunger strike highlights how prolonged fasting can trigger muscle loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and. . .
HealthAuthored by:Ashima Sharda MahindraUpdated Jul 6, 2026, 08:04 ISTSonam Wangchuk's 8-day hunger strike highlights how prolonged fasting can trigger muscle loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and serious health risks. Sonam Wangchuk's 8-Day Fast: What Happens Without Food? (Pic: Instagram)Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike, during which he reportedly lost around 6 kg in just seven days, has once again drawn attention to the serious health consequences of prolonged fasting. While fasting for religious or medical reasons is common, an extended fast without adequate nutrition can have significant effects on nearly every organ in the body. Doctors monitoring Wangchuk have reported that his blood pressure, heart rate, hydration status and blood sugar remain under observation. Although his condition has been described as stable, medical experts say that prolonged fasting carries increasing health risks with each passing day. What happens to your body without food?The human body is designed to survive short periods without food by relying on stored energy. However, as fasting continues, it begins to affect multiple body systems. First 24 hours:Glycogenstores get used upDuring the first day without food, the body uses glucose circulating in the bloodstream. Once this is depleted, it turns to glycogen stored in the liver and muscles for energy. At this stage, you may experience hunger pangs, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. After 2–3 days: Fat burning beginsAs glycogen stores run low, the body switches to burning stored fat for fuel. This process produces compounds called ketones, which provide energy for the brain and other organs. While it may help sustain life, prolonged ketosis may also lead to weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath and reduced physical performance. Beyond several days: Muscle breakdown startsWhen fat reserves begin to decline or protein becomes necessary for vital functions, the body starts breaking down muscle tissue. This can lead to rapid weight loss, loss of muscle strength, reduced immunity, slower wound healing and extreme fatigue. The heart is also a muscle, meaning prolonged starvation can eventually affect cardiac function. Blood sugar can dropOne of the major concerns during an extended fast is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly in those with diabetes or underlying health conditions. A few of these symptoms include:Shaking or tremorsSweatingConfusionBlurred visionFaintingIn severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousnessNot eating for days can lead to hypoglycemia, which can be fatalThe risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalanceEven when people consume water during a hunger strike, they may still develop electrolyte imbalances, including low sodium or potassium levels. Electrolytes are essential for heart rhythm, muscle contractions, nerve function and blood pressure regulation. Severe electrolyte disturbances can trigger dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities. How does prolonged fasting affect the brain?Initially, the brain adapts by using ketones for fuel. However, as fasting continues, nutritional deficiencies may impair cognitive function. People may experience poor concentration, mood changes, slower thinking, memory problems along with reduced alertness. In severe starvation, confusion and impaired judgment may develop. Why is medical monitoring essential?Doctors closely monitor people undertaking prolonged fasts by checking:Blood pressureHeart rateBlood sugarHydration statusKidney functionElectrolyte levelsBody weightThese assessments help detect complications before they become life-threatening. Can the body recover?In many cases, recovery is possible if nutrition is restored gradually under medical supervision. However, after prolonged starvation, introducing food too quickly can trigger refeeding syndrome - a potentially fatal condition caused by sudden shifts in fluids and electrolytes. This is why people ending an extended fast often require carefully planned nutritional rehabilitation. Anyone undertaking a prolonged fast should be under continuous medical supervision, as complications can develop even when outward signs appear stable. Ashima Sharda MahindraauthorIs a prolific writer with a varied experience of over two decades of journalism under her belt. She writes passionately about diverse health topics wi. . . View MoreNewsHealthEnd of Article