Nisha Pandey

As Sonam Wangchuk's Indefinite Fast Continues, Doctors Explain When Hunger Strike Becomes Medically Dangerous

As Sonam Wangchuk Indefinite Fast Continues, Doctors Explain When Hunger Strike Becomes Medically Dangerous

Climate activist and education reformer <span>Sonam Wangchuk</span>'s indefinite <span>hunger strike</span> has entered a critical stage. After 20 days of without food, <span>Wangchuk</span>'s condition worsened significantly. The spectacle drew nationwide attention as concerns over his deteriorating health continue to grow. 

The protest, which began on June 28 at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, is aimed at demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations like NEET and broader education reforms. 

Wangchuk has experienced substantial weight loss ever since his hunger strike started. Doctors also warned that prolonged fasting could lead to serious complications, including organ involvement. 

<h2>Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalisation &amp; '<span rel="noindex">Chalo Sansad</span>' March </h2>

On July 18, Delhi Police shifted <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bryan-johnson-blames-sugary-cereals-soda-and-stress-for-his-autoimmune-disease-shares-treatment-plan-article-154920129" data-type="tilCustomLink">Sonam Wangchuk</a> from the protest site to <span>Safdarjung Hospital</span> following medical advice and court-directed health monitoring. The move sparked controversy, with supporters alleging that he was moved to the hospital against his wishes. 

According to the hospital, he’s receiving the necessary medical care, and his vital parameters remain stable. 

“Sonam Wangchuk is being given the required medical intervention at VMMC &amp; Safdarjung Hospital. His vital parameters are stable at present; however, his blood parameters remain marginally altered, and considering the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting, he requires continuous medical care under the close observation of a multidisciplinary team of experts", the hospital's spokesperson said. 

Despite being hospitalised, Wangchuk has remained firm on continuing his fast. In a handwritten note that was shared on his official X handle, he urged supporters to participate in the planned "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. 

<h2>When Does Hunger Strike Become Medically Concerning? </h2>

Also read: Watch: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/watch-what-really-happens-to-your-body-after-72-hours-without-food-article-152478054" data-type="tilCustomLink">What Really Happens To Your Body After 72 Hours Without Food?</a>

With Wangchuk's health continuing to deteriorate, his protest has renewed public interest in the medical dangers of prolonged <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/serena-williams-lost-34-pounds-with-the-help-of-a-glp-1-drug-but-its-not-ozempic-article-154817684" data-type="tilCustomLink">hunger strikes</a>. 

The deterioration of one's health after a period of prolonged fasting is a medical emergency but it is highly variable. 

Dr M Wali, Principal Director, Internal Medicine, Pacific One Health, says, "The timing of health deterioration becoming a medical emergency varies on various factors. It depends on age, existing health parameters before fasting, hydration, medications, environmental conditions and most important whether the person is taking only water or electrolytes. There is no fixed timeline for vitals to deteriorate." 

In the first three days, the doctor says that the body suffers from spells of hunger, dizziness, and mild drop in blood pressure. 

During this period, fluctuations in blood sugar can start. The expert says that during this time, the body relies heavily on stored fats. Weight loss, low blood pressure, slow pulse, dehydration, and electrolytes imbalance start happening too. 

Experts say that this is the critical period when serious complications can arise, especially like <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-every-dialysis-patient-should-check-their-fistula-every-day-article-155109993" data-type="tilCustomLink">kidney injury</a>, heart rhythm abnormalities, confusion, and collapse. 

According to Dr Anshu Rohtagi, Sr Consultant at Department of Neurology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, "After sustained and prolonged complete fasting of couple of weeks, the risk of permanent organ damage and death increases manifold although survival depends on hydration and status of nutrition. Someone refusing both food and water can deteriorate much faster - sometimes in a few days also."

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-colonialism-continues-to-bear-an-impact-on-the-south-asian-health-crisis-article-151787789" data-type="tilCustomLink">How Colonialism Continues To Bear An Impact On The South Asian Health Crisis</a> 

Another expert says that during this time, certain critical symptoms are evaluated that could cause serious complications. 

According to Dr Niraj Tyagi, renowned critical care specialist, "The visiting medical team looks for signs that generally prompt urgent medical evacuations. Some of them are loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake, confusion or delirium, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, very low blood pressure causing fainting or shock, persistent low blood pressure, severe dehydration, little or no urine output, dangerous imbalance of electrolytes and kidney or other organs injury." 

According to human rights experts, "Whether someone can be shifted to medical facility or treated against their wishes depends on local laws, court orders, and, most importantly, whether the person is in sound mental health to take informed decisions."

Sonam Wangchuk Lost 7 KGs in 9 Days | Doctor Explains What Happens to the Body

Dr. Wali explains how the treatment course looks like for someone who has been without food for weeks. 

He says, "Once shifted to medical facility, treatment depends on the patient's condition and may include careful rehydration, correction of electrolytes imbalance, continuous cardiac and kidney monitoring, nutritional rehabilitation. Doctors usually monitor potassium, magnesium, and glucose closely during re-feeding." 

He adds, "It is important to note that even after recovery, the person may remain medically vulnerable even if they feel well."

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Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered a critical stage. After 20 days of without food, Wangchuk's condition worsened significantly. The spectacle drew nationwide attention as concerns over his deteriorating health continue to grow. The protest, which began on June 28 at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, is aimed at demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations like NEET and broader education reforms. Wangchuk has experienced substantial weight loss ever since his hunger strike started. Doctors also warned that prolonged fasting could lead to serious complications, including organ involvement. Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalisation & 'Chalo Sansad' March On July 18, Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice and court-directed health monitoring. The move sparked controversy, with supporters alleging that he was moved to the hospital against his wishes. According to the hospital, he’s receiving the necessary medical care, and his vital parameters remain stable. “Sonam Wangchuk is being given the required medical intervention at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. His vital parameters are stable at present; however, his blood parameters remain marginally altered, and considering the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting, he requires continuous medical care under the close observation of a multidisciplinary team of experts", the hospital's spokesperson said.             Message from Sonam : 20th JULYआज़ादी का दूसरा आन्दोलनभय मुक्त भारत, अन्याय मुक्त भारतFreedom from injustice (Like paper leaks)Freedom from Fear (my illegal detention)India’s 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENTMarch to the ParliamentPlease make it a big successSent through… pic.twitter.com/XYeUXgUxJH&mdash; Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 19, 2026 ]]>Despite being hospitalised, Wangchuk has remained firm on continuing his fast. In a handwritten note that was shared on his official X handle, he urged supporters to participate in the planned "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. When Does Hunger Strike Become Medically Concerning? Also read: Watch: What Really Happens To Your Body After 72 Hours Without Food?With Wangchuk's health continuing to deteriorate, his protest has renewed public interest in the medical dangers of prolonged hunger strikes. The deterioration of one's health after a period of prolonged fasting is a medical emergency but it is highly variable. Dr M Wali, Principal Director, Internal Medicine, Pacific One Health, says, "The timing of health deterioration becoming a medical emergency varies on various factors. It depends on age, existing health parameters before fasting, hydration, medications, environmental conditions and most important whether the person is taking only water or electrolytes. There is no fixed timeline for vitals to deteriorate." 24-72 Hours In the first three days, the doctor says that the body suffers from spells of hunger, dizziness, and mild drop in blood pressure. 3 to 9 Days During this period, fluctuations in blood sugar can start. The expert says that during this time, the body relies heavily on stored fats. Weight loss, low blood pressure, slow pulse, dehydration, and electrolytes imbalance start happening too. 10-14 days Experts say that this is the critical period when serious complications can arise, especially like kidney injury, heart rhythm abnormalities, confusion, and collapse. According to Dr Anshu Rohtagi, Sr Consultant at Department of Neurology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, "After sustained and prolonged complete fasting of couple of weeks, the risk of permanent organ damage and death increases manifold although survival depends on hydration and status of nutrition. Someone refusing both food and water can deteriorate much faster - sometimes in a few days also."Also read: How Colonialism Continues To Bear An Impact On The South Asian Health Crisis Another expert says that during this time, certain critical symptoms are evaluated that could cause serious complications. According to Dr Niraj Tyagi, renowned critical care specialist, "The visiting medical team looks for signs that generally prompt urgent medical evacuations. Some of them are loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake, confusion or delirium, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, very low blood pressure causing fainting or shock, persistent low blood pressure, severe dehydration, little or no urine output, dangerous imbalance of electrolytes and kidney or other organs injury." According to human rights experts, "Whether someone can be shifted to medical facility or treated against their wishes depends on local laws, court orders, and, most importantly, whether the person is in sound mental health to take informed decisions."                   Treatment Plan Dr. Wali explains how the treatment course looks like for someone who has been without food for weeks. He says, "Once shifted to medical facility, treatment depends on the patient's condition and may include careful rehydration, correction of electrolytes imbalance, continuous cardiac and kidney monitoring, nutritional rehabilitation. Doctors usually monitor potassium, magnesium, and glucose closely during re-feeding." He adds, "It is important to note that even after recovery, the person may remain medically vulnerable even if they feel well."

as sonam wangchuk indefinite fast continues, doctors explain when hunger strike becomes medically dangerous

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