Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.2 kilograms in just 18 days during his ongoing hunger strike, prompting fresh concerns about the physical impact of prolonged fasting. While the human body can adapt to short periods without food, doctors warn that extended water-only fasting forces the body into survival mode, gradually consuming its own fat reserves before breaking down muscle tissue to stay alive.

Medical experts say such rapid weight loss is a sign of severe metabolic stress and requires continuous monitoring, as complications can become life-threatening if left unmanaged.

Why Rapid Weight Loss During Fasting Is a Serious Concern

Losing more than eight kilograms in less than three weeks is considered medically significant.

Health specialists explain that the number on the weighing scale tells only part of the story. Initially, the body loses water and stored carbohydrates, but as fasting continues, muscle tissue also begins to disappear.

This loss of lean muscle weakens physical strength, affects the immune system and may eventually impact vital organs, including the heart.

What Happens Inside the Body During Prolonged Fasting?

The Body Uses Stored Glucose First

When food intake stops, the body initially depends on glucose already circulating in the bloodstream for energy.

These reserves usually last only a few hours before the body shifts to its emergency energy stores.

Glycogen Keeps the Body Going for a Short Time

After blood glucose is exhausted, the liver and muscles release glycogen, a stored form of carbohydrate that provides energy for approximately one to two days.

Once glycogen reserves are depleted, the body must find another fuel source.

Fat Becomes the Main Energy Source

The next stage involves breaking down stored fat.

The liver converts fat into ketones, which provide an alternative source of energy for the brain and other organs. This process, known as ketosis, allows the body to survive longer without food.

However, fat alone cannot meet all of the body’s nutritional needs.

Muscle Breakdown Begins

As fasting continues, the body starts breaking down muscle proteins into amino acids to produce glucose and maintain essential bodily functions.

This stage results in:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Reduced physical strength
• Increased fatigue
• Slower recovery
• Greater metabolic stress

Doctors say this is one of the most concerning stages of prolonged starvation because the body is no longer burning only fat—it is sacrificing vital muscle tissue.

Health Risks of Extended Water-Only Fasting

Long-term fasting can trigger several serious health complications, including:

Dehydration

Even when drinking water, prolonged fasting may lead to fluid imbalance, especially if electrolyte levels fall.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Essential minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium may drop to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of heart rhythm disorders.

Low Blood Sugar and Low Blood Pressure

Extended fasting often causes dizziness, weakness, fainting and reduced blood pressure as the body struggles to maintain normal energy levels.

Weakened Immune System

As protein stores decline, immune function weakens, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

Heart Complications

Because the heart is a muscle, prolonged muscle loss can affect its strength and performance, increasing the risk of cardiac complications.

The Hidden Danger After the Fast Ends

Doctors caution that the risks do not disappear once a hunger strike is over.

One of the biggest concerns is refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly after prolonged starvation.

A sudden increase in carbohydrates can trigger rapid shifts in electrolytes such as phosphate, potassium and magnesium, potentially leading to heart failure, breathing difficulties and neurological complications.

For this reason, medical experts recommend restarting nutrition gradually under close medical supervision.

How Is Prolonged Fasting Different From Intermittent Fasting?

Short-term fasting practices such as intermittent fasting are generally considered safe for healthy individuals when followed correctly.

Extended water-only fasting lasting several weeks is fundamentally different.

Unlike planned dietary fasting, prolonged starvation forces the body into a prolonged survival state, increasing the risk of severe muscle loss, organ stress and life-threatening metabolic complications.

Why Continuous Medical Monitoring Is Essential

Doctors stress that individuals undertaking prolonged hunger strikes require regular medical evaluations, even if they continue consuming water.

Routine monitoring typically includes:

• Body weight
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar levels
• Heart function
• Electrolyte balance
• Kidney and liver function

These assessments help detect complications before they become critical.

What Happens Next?

As Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues, health experts warn that prolonged fasting becomes increasingly dangerous with each passing day. While the human body can survive without food for extended periods under certain conditions, sustained muscle breakdown and metabolic stress significantly raise the risk of serious complications. Medical supervision and careful nutritional rehabilitation remain essential both during and after any prolonged fast.