Observations on the Metabolism of Man during Starvation

Extract

Although the metabolism during starvation has been investigated in the most elaborate and exhaustive manner in the lower animals by many different observers, as yet few observations have been accomplished in man.

In 1880 Tanner undertook a fast of forty days. We have been able to procure only a few fragmentary observations upon his case (British Medical Journal, vol. ii., 1880). At the commencement of his fast he weighed 71.600 kilos., and at the end of twenty-five days his weight had fallen to 60.000 kilos., indicating a loss of about 11.600 kilos., or .162 kilos, per kilo. of his original weight.