Sonam Wangchuk Health Update: How much weight loss at once will lead to death? Understand your body's health management.

Health Risks of Weight Loss: Losing weight is a goal for many people. When weight loss occurs through dieting, gym, and exercise, it's considered normal and a good thing.

Sonam Wangchuk Health

Causes of Sudden Unexplained Weight Loss: Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, is continuously losing weight. Friday (July 17) was the 20th day of his hunger strike, after which he was taken from Jantar Mantar and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. He has been abstaining from food since June 28 during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. According to doctors, he has lost another 350 grams in the last 24 hours. He now weighs 56.55 kilograms. This means he has lost a total of about 9.5 kilograms so far.

According to the health report released by the medical team, Wangchuk's blood pressure was 108/68 mm Hg, blood sugar 80 mg/dL, pulse rate 72 beats per minute, and oxygen saturation 96 percent. Doctors reported that he had symptoms of mild dehydration, although his mental state remained normal and alert. Let's find out how much weight loss is sufficient to cause death?

What happens in the body when you remain hungry for a long time?

According to a BBC Science report, within a day or two of the last meal, the body's glycogen stores in the liver and muscles are nearly depleted. The body then begins to break down stored fat to create ketones for energy. However, the brain and red blood cells cannot survive on ketones alone. They require glucose, which the body uses to break down muscle. This is why, when food is not available for long periods, not only fat but also vital muscles in the body begin to weaken. This includes the heart muscle. If these muscles become severely weakened, the heart can stop functioning, which can be life-threatening.

How much weight loss is considered fatal?

According to doctors, a loss of 40 to 50 percent of a person's total body weight is considered a serious life-threatening condition, regardless of their initial weight. Complete food withdrawal typically results in death within 8 to 12 weeks. However, if the body continues to receive a small amount of calories and adequate protein, a person can survive for a relatively long time, as the body continues to use fat for energy.

Rapid weight loss can also increase the risk of death