Angus Barbieri
| |
|---|---|
Barbieri before and after fasting (seated, right)
| |
| Born | 1939 (1939) |
| Died | 7 September 1990(1990-09-07) (aged 50–51) |
Angus Barbieri (1939 – 7 September 1990) was a Scottish man who fasted for 382 days,[1] from June 14, 1965 to June 30, 1966. He lived mainly on tea, coffee, sparkling water, and vitamins while living at home in Tayport, Scotland, and frequently visiting Maryfield Hospital for medical evaluation. He lost 276 pounds (125 kg) and set a record for the length of a fast.[2]
In 1965, Barbieri, a 27-year-old from Tayport, Scotland, checked into the Maryfield HospitalinDundee. Initially only a short fast was planned, due to the doctors believing that short fasts were preferable to longer ones. Barbieri insisted on continuing because "he adapted so well and was eager to reach his 'ideal' weight".[2]: 203 For 382 days ending on 30 June 1966, he consumed only vitamins, electrolytes, an unspecified amount of yeast (a source of all essential amino acids) and zero-calorie beverages such as tea, coffee, and sparkling water, although he occasionally consumed small amounts of milk and/or sugar with the beverages, especially during the final weeks of the fast. He quit working at his father's fish and chip shop, which closed down during the fast. Barbieri's starting weight was recorded at 456 pounds (207 kg) and he stopped fasting when he reached his goal weight of 180 pounds (82 kg).[2]: 204
In the 1971 edition of The Guinness Book of Records, Barbieri's 382-day fast was recognized as the longest recorded.[1] As of 2024[update], Barbieri retains the record for the longest fast without solid food. Guinness does not actively encourage records relating to fasting for fear of encouraging unsafe behaviour.[1][3]
Barbieri was able to maintain a healthy weight; five years after the fast he weighed 196 pounds (89 kg).[4] After his weight loss, he moved to Warwick and had two sons.[1] Barbieri died in September 1990.[1]
