On average, a person can survive for around three weeks without food, but this will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Age
- Health
- Activity level
- Environmental conditions
Children and older adults are more at risk of malnutrition than healthy adults. People who are ill or have other medical conditions are also at increased risk. And those who are exposed to extreme temperatures or other harsh environmental conditions will also find it more difficult to survive without food.
In addition to the risk of malnutrition, there are also a number of other health problems that can occur from not eating, including:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Reduced immunity
- Increased risk of infection
If you are considering not eating, it is important to speak to a doctor first. There may be underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed, or there may be other options available to you.