New Delhi: HL July 13, 2026
As social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s prolonged hunger strike continues to draw national attention, health experts are cautioning that extended fasting can pose significant health risks, particularly if it continues beyond a week without close medical supervision.
According to medical experts, the human body initially relies on stored glycogen for energy during the first 24 hours of fasting. As these reserves are depleted, it shifts to burning fat, a process known as ketosis. While this metabolic adaptation helps sustain the body for a limited period, prolonged fasting can gradually lead to muscle loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Experts say that during the first one to three days of fasting, individuals may experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness and weakness. Between three and seven days, the risk of low blood pressure, muscle breakdown and electrolyte disturbances increases. Once fasting extends beyond a week, the chances of serious complications—including irregular heart rhythm, kidney injury, severe dehydration and nutritional deficiencies—rise significantly.
The health concerns surrounding prolonged fasting have come into focus following Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike. Public updates on his fast have highlighted weight loss and the need for medical monitoring, underscoring the importance of regular health assessments during extended periods without food.
Doctors stress that warning signs such as fainting, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, irregular heartbeat or very low blood sugar require immediate medical attention. They also caution that people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant women, older adults and children are especially vulnerable to complications from prolonged fasting.
Health experts emphasize that while fasting is practiced for religious, cultural and political reasons, fasts lasting several days should ideally be undertaken only under medical supervision. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, hydration and electrolyte levels can help identify complications early and reduce the risk of life-threatening consequences.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Worsens on Day 16 of Hunger Strike; Doctors Report Weight Loss and Falling Blood Pressure
According to the latest medical updates, Wangchuk has lost around 7.8–8.2 kg since the hunger strike began. Reports also indicate that his blood pressure has fallen and his blood glucose level has dropped, increasing the risk of complications associated with extended fasting. Despite his weakened condition, Wangchuk has continued the protest and has appealed to supporters to remain peaceful.
Wangchuk’s deteriorating health has intensified public concern, with supporters and several public figures urging close medical supervision while the protest continues.
How Many Days of Fasting Become a Health Hazard?
Fasting affects everyone differently depending on age, hydration, underlying medical conditions, body weight, and whether fluids are consumed. There is no fixed number of days after which fasting becomes dangerous, but the health risks generally increase as the fast continues.
Typical timeline:
0–24 hours: Blood sugar falls, glycogen stores begin to deplete, hunger and fatigue are common.
1–3 days: The body switches to burning fat (ketosis). Dizziness, weakness, headaches, and dehydration may occur.
3–7 days: Muscle loss begins, electrolyte imbalances can develop, and blood pressure may drop.
Beyond 7 days: The risk of serious complications rises significantly, including severe dehydration, dangerously low blood sugar, irregular heart rhythms, kidney injury, infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Medical supervision becomes essential.
Beyond 2 weeks: Prolonged fasting can become life-threatening without careful medical monitoring and appropriate hydration and electrolyte management.
Warning signs that require immediate medical attention include:
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Confusion or altered mental status
Persistent vomiting
Severe dehydration
Irregular heartbeat
Very low blood pressure or blood sugar
People with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant women, older adults, and children are at higher risk of complications from prolonged fasting.
