Papers And Originals
Prolonged Starvation—A Dangerous Procedure
Br Med J 1970; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5720.432 (Published 22 August 1970) Cite this as: Br Med J 1970;3:432
- J. Runcie,
- T. J. Thomson
Abstract
Experience with 18 obese patients who have undergone prolonged (60 days) therapeutic starvation shows that in general this is a safe procedure, but there are significant associated hazards, particularly a breakdown in electrolyte homoeostasis. The need for close biochemical control of such patients is stressed.