The story of this extraordinary man’s journey is still recounted as a “one-of-a-kind” miracle, astonishing the entire world.
More than six decades ago, a man from Scotland captured global attention when he publicly undertook a continuous fasting journey lasting 382 days to lose weight. What seemed like a joke turned out to be entirely true. Even to this day, no one has surpassed that record.
According to History Defined, in June 1965, Angus Barbieri (then 27 years old) – who was suffering from obesity – decided to overcome his food addiction to lose weight. Unexpectedly, Angus Barbieri’s journey broke every record, transcended physical and mental boundaries, challenged conventional beliefs, and left scientists and the public utterly astonished.
Life Before Weight Loss
There is very little information about Barbieri’s life before his weight loss journey. He was born in Tayport, Scotland, in 1939 and seemed to live a fairly normal life with minor risks due to his slightly “overweight” condition.
As a young man, before starting his fast, Barbieri worked steadily at his father’s fish and chips shop. However, by the age of 27, Barbieri’s weight issue became apparent, as he weighed up to 206 kg.
Barbieri’s weight peaked at 206 kg.
In June 1965, Barbieri went to the Royal Dundee Hospital in Scotland to seek advice from medical experts and began a short-term fasting journey aimed at bringing his weight back to normal levels, ensuring a better quality of life.
Barbieri’s intention was to “fast” to lose weight. Of course, this was not a scientifically proven weight loss method, but due to Barbieri’s determination, the doctors agreed to monitor his health during this challenging period.
Thus, Barbieri himself did not expect to be able to fast for such a long duration.
The Weight Loss Journey
In his specific fasting plan, Barbieri was not allowed to eat solid food; he could only supplement with electrolytes, vitamins, some enzymes for essential amino acids, and finally specific liquids such as black coffee, tea, and sparkling water.
Barbieri’s caloric intake was nearly zero throughout the prolonged fasting period – essentially a “diet plan” interspersed with intermittent fasting.
During the fasting period, Barbieri lost weight rapidly – averaging nearly 0.5 kg per day. Each month, he lost about 10 kg. Months went by, and Barbieri remained steadfast in his fasting, with the numbers on the scale continuing to drop.
Barbieri’s post-weight loss transformation amazed many.
During his treatment, he was allowed to come and go freely at Maryfield Hospital so that doctors could monitor his diet and health status. Barbieri had to quit his job at his father’s fish and chips shop on Nelson Street to avoid breaking his strict diet.
Astonishing Results
Barbieri’s ultimate goal was to reach 82 kg, at which point he would plan to end his weight loss journey. After an extraordinary 382 days of hard work, on July 11, 1966, Barbieri finally succeeded.
He broke his fast that July morning with a bit of bread, butter, and a boiled egg.
He told the press crowd in the room: “Everything is fine. I’m feeling a bit full, but I absolutely enjoy this feeling.” 
Barbieri’s transformation made it hard for people to recognize him when looking at earlier photos. Stepping into his old trousers, Barbieri astonished everyone by fitting into just one pant leg.
His story quickly became a global topic of discussion, and newspapers as far away as the United States reported on his incredible journey.
Experts at the University of Dundee were so intrigued by Barbieri’s weight loss process that they conducted a study to examine the effects of prolonged fasting on the body.
Barbieri’s doctors meticulously documented his entire weight loss journey in a report published in 1973.
Skepticism
Angus Barbieri’s weight loss journey faced much skepticism and controversy, as it exceeded what most people believed was possible.
Many people asked the same question: how could someone fast for that long?
Many believed that fasting for a year could not lead to a completely healthy body, regardless of the weight lost.
At the time, records showed five cases of death due to attempts at similar prolonged fasting under hospital supervision.
Despite skepticism from family, the press, and even some doctors, Barbieri maintained that his method was both strict and honest.
Barbieri’s Legacy
To this day, Angus Barbieri’s record of 382 days without food remains unbeaten – it may never be repeated.
Barbieri was quickly listed in the Guinness World Records in 1971 – with the longest fasting time ever recognized.
After an unusually quick recovery, Barbieri continued to live a fulfilling life, raising two sons before moving to Warwick.
Barbieri passed away in September 1990. He still holds the world record for the longest fasting without solid food. However, since then, the Guinness World Records organization no longer officially recognizes fasting-related records due to concerns that it might encourage unsafe practices that could harm human health.
