Narayana Murthy says he stayed hungry for 120 hours while hitchhiking 50 years ago; what happens to your body when you starve for 5 days

Following his admission, we decided to ask experts about how the body performs during starvation.

Dr Ekta Singhwal, dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals said starving for more than 5 days, or more than 100 hours, can have “severe consequences on the body”.

“If a person keeps drinking water and doesn’t have any food, the body will start using its tissue for energy. When the fatty acid reserves are gone, the body switches to protein. Depending on how little fatty tissue you have, it may take only a few days to reach this point. By one week, however, the bodies of most starving people will be actively breaking down muscle to obtain protein,” elucidated Dr Prasad Bhate, consultant, gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune.

In prolonged starvation, the brain starts using ketone bodies, which are produced from the breakdown of fats. “While the brain can function on ketones, it’s not as efficient as using glucose, and prolonged ketone use can lead to cognitive impairments,” said diet consultant Nimissha Jain from Madhuban Diet Clinic, Pitampura, Delhi.

Hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and stress are affected, Jain added. “For example, the body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone, which can lead to muscle breakdown and fat storage. Prolonged starvation can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Cognitive function can also be impaired,” said Jain.

Dr Singhwal helped us break down what happens to the body when a person starves

Nutritional deficiencies

Prolonged starvation deprives the body of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. “This can weaken the immune system, impair organ function, and hinder overall health,” said Dr Singhwal.

What does starving your body for 120 hours do to you? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Muscle wasting

In the absence of adequate food intake, the body begins to break down muscle tissue to obtain energy. “This can result in significant muscle wasting, leading to weakness, fatigue, and decreased physical function,” said Dr Singhwal.

Metabolic changes

Extended fasting can cause metabolic changes in the body, including a decrease in metabolic rate to conserve energy. According to Dr Singhwal, this can make it harder to lose weight and maintain muscle mass in the long term.

Electrolyte imbalance

Without food intake, the body may experience imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Dr Singhwal noted that this can lead to symptoms like dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramps.

Organ damage

Prolonged starvation puts stress on vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr Singhwal said that over time, this can result in organ damage and increase the risk of serious health complications.

Mental and emotional effects

According to Dr Singhwal, starvation can also have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being, including mood swings, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Overall, prolonged starvation can have devastating effects on the body and should be avoided. “It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and seek medical attention if experiencing prolonged periods of food deprivation,” said Dr Singhwal.