Fasting for 382 days to lose weight, obese man miraculously survived, surprising the world

The story of this man's extraordinary journey is still told today as a unique miracle, surprising the world.

More than six decades ago, a man from Scotland captured the world's attention when he publicly announced his journey of fasting continuously for 382 days to lose weight. This story, which seemed like a joke, turned out to be completely true. And to this day, no one has surpassed that record.

According to History Defined, in June 1965, Angus Barbieri (then 27 years old) - who was morbidly obese - decided to try to overcome his food addiction to lose weight. Unexpectedly, Angus Barbieri's journey broke all records, crossed physical and mental boundaries, challenged conventional beliefs and left both scientists and the public extremely shocked.

Life before weight loss

Little is known about Barbieri's pre-weight loss days. He was born in Tayport, Scotland, in 1939 and appears to have lived a normal life with minor mishaps due to his slightly 'oversized' body.

As a young man, before he started fasting, Barbieri worked regularly in his father's fish and chip shop. But by the age of 27, Barbieri's weight problem became apparent, as he weighed 450 pounds.

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Barbieri's weight at one point reached 206kg.

In June 1965, Barbieri went to the Royal Dundee Hospital in Scotland to seek advice from medical professionals and began a short-term fasting journey to bring his weight back to normal and ensure his quality of life.

Barbieri's intention was to "fast" to lose weight. Of course, it was not a scientific way to lose weight, but because Barbieri was so determined, the doctor agreed to monitor his health during this difficult period.

So, Barbieri himself did not expect that he could fast for such a long time.

Weight loss journey

On Barbieri's specific fasting plan, he is not allowed to eat solid foods, only electrolyte supplements, vitamins, certain enzymes for important amino acids, and finally specific liquids like black coffee, tea, and carbonated water.

Barbieri's calorie intake was close to zero during the entire extended fast—essentially a "diet" mixed with intermittent fasting.

During the fast, Barbieri lost weight rapidly—an average of about a pound a day. Each month, he lost about 22 pounds. As the months passed, Barbieri remained steadfast in his fast, and the numbers on the scale continued to drop.

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Barbieri's image after losing weight surprised many people.

During his treatment, he was allowed to come and go as he pleased at Maryfield Hospital so doctors could monitor his diet and health. Barbieri had to quit his job at his father's fish and chip shop on Nelson Street to avoid breaking his strict diet.

Amazing results

Barbieri's ultimate goal was to reach 82kg, at which point he planned to end his weight loss journey. And, after 382 days of extraordinary hardship, on July 11, 1966, Barbieri finally succeeded.

Barbieri broke his fast that July morning with some bread, butter, and a hard-boiled egg.

"It's okay. I feel a little full, but I absolutely love it," Picture 3 of Fasting for 382 days to lose weight, obese man miraculously survived, surprising the world he told the press in the room. Barbieri's transformation made it difficult to recognize who he was in previous photos. Stepping into his old pants, Barbieri surprised everyone by disappearing into one leg.

His story quickly became a global sensation, with newspapers as far away as the United States reporting on his incredible journey.

Experts at the University of Dundee were so intrigued by Barbieri's weight loss that they conducted a study to look at the effects of long-term fasting on the body.

Barbieri's doctors documented his entire weight loss journey in a report published in 1973.

Skepticism

Angus Barbieri's weight loss journey has been met with much skepticism and controversy, as it goes beyond what most people think is possible.

Many people have asked the same question: how can a person fast for so long?

Many people believe that fasting for a whole year cannot lead to a completely healthy body, no matter how many kilos are lost.

At the time, records showed five deaths from similar attempts at prolonged fasting under hospital supervision.

Despite doubts from family, the press, and even some doctors, Barbieri maintains that his methods are both rigorous and honest.

Barbieri's Legacy

To this day, Angus Barbieri's record of 382 days without food remains unbeaten - and it may never be repeated.

Barbieri was quickly entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1971 - for the longest fast ever recorded.

After making an incredibly quick recovery, Barbieri went on to live a fulfilling life, raising two sons, and then moving to Warwick.

Barbieri died in September 1990. He still holds the world record for the longest time without solid food. However, Guinness World Records has since stopped officially recognizing records involving fasting, citing concerns that it encourages unsafe and even harmful practices.