Angus Barbieri's fast

Angus Barbieri
Angus Barbieri
	Barbieri before and after fasting (seated, right)
Born	2 April 1939
Died	7 September 1990 (aged 50–51)

Scottish man Angus Barbieri (2 April 1939 – 7 September 1990) fasted for 382 days, from June 1965 to July 1966. He lived on tea, coffee, soda water, and vitamins while living at home in Tayport, Scotland, and frequently visiting Maryfield Hospital for medical evaluation. He lost 276 pounds (125 kg) and set a record for the length of a fast.^[1]

The fast[]

In 1965, Barbieri, then a 27-year-old from Tayport, Scotland, checked into the Maryfield Hospital in Dundee. Initially only a short fast was planned, due to the doctors believing that short fasts were preferable to longer ones. Barbieri insisted on continuing because "he adapted so well and was eager to reach his 'ideal' weight".^[1]^:203^[2] For 382 days ending on 11 July 1966, he consumed only vitamin tablets, electrolytes, yeast (source of all amino acids) and 0 calorie beverages, like coffee, tea, and mineral water. During the final 3 weeks of fast, he drank small amounts of milk. He quit working at his father's fish and chip shop, which closed down during the fast. Barbieri's starting weight was recorded at 456 pounds (207 kg) and he stopped fasting when he reached his goal weight of 180 pounds (82 kg). After his weight loss, he moved to Warwick and had two sons. Barbieri died on 7 September, 1990, aged 51.

Record[]

In the 1971 edition of The Guinness Book of Records, Barbieri's 382-day fast was recognized as the longest recorded.^[1]^:203^[2] In 1973, Dennis Galer Goodwin went on a hunger strike for 385 days, but he was force-fed during this period. As of 2016, Barbieri retains the record for the longest fast without solid food, according to Guinness officials. Guinness no longer officially endorses records relating to fasting for fear of encouraging unsafe behaviour.^[2]^[3]