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Gerald O'brian

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How much longer can an obese person survive without food?

Water would be supplied.

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  • Diana Thomas

    • +1
    Mar 13 2013: This is a very interesting question. Our team computed this value for a man with body mass index of 32 kg/m^2 to be around 90 days. The estimate was based on a thermodynamic model and assumed that there was a critical lean body mass which humans absolutely need to survive. These calculations can be found in the paper: The dynamics of starvation in humans Journal of Mathematical Biology January 2007, Volume 54, Issue 1, pp 27-43

  • Ravi Patel

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    Feb 14 2013: One pound of fat is 3500 calories. So take that, divide it by how many calories someone needs a day to live and then go from there. However, be sure to take in account converting fats into a usable from of energy takes energy in of itself, so take that into account.
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    edward long 100+

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    Feb 14 2013: Bears really pack it on prior to hibernation. I'm guessing they would not make it through the winter if they did not bulk up. That COULD sure indicate that extra weight is an aid to survival when food is unavailable.

  • Mary M. 100+

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    Feb 13 2013: How much weight are you talking about?

    What a peculiar question.
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      Gerald O'brian 50+

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      Feb 13 2013: Hope you're asking figures to help me with the math.
      Let's say we're talking 300 pounds.

      "What a peculiar question."
      Well, you know. Your mind wanders when you're jammed in trafic.

      • Mary M. 100+

        • 0
        Feb 13 2013: hahaha. unfortunately no...

        I don't think 300 pounds is necessarily obese.

        Don't you think it depends on the height of the person and their overall health.

        I have never heard of anyone surviving a year on water alone.

        I hope we get an expert to answer your question, with a link to the info.

        And.....Keep your eyes on the road...
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    Gail . 50+

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    Feb 13 2013: A really obese person can live a year or more - according to "Protein Power".
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      Gerald O'brian 50+

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      Feb 13 2013: protein power?
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        Gail . 50+

        • 0
        Feb 14 2013: A book written by Drs Eades (a husband & wife team specializing in nutrition & weight loss). It gives fascinating insight (with supporting evidence) about how the human body works on a cellular level.
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