Sonam Wangchuk's VTF can force the body to 'self-eat'

Ladakhi innovator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike in Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past 19 days demanding the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has lost more than 9 kg since he began!

Renowned physician Dr Satish Lamba said Wangchuk's blood sugar was 80mg/dL, pulse rate was 72 bpm, and blood pressure was 105/61 mmHg while sitting.

The doctor noted that Wangchuk was mentally alert and his hydration was 'fair'. The Delhi High Court has ordered the Central government to monitor his health and mandated immediate medical interventions. This means he can be hospitalised if his health worsens.

What is VTF? 

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike is termed Voluntary Total Fasting (VTF) by the World Medical Association (WMA). It is a state where a person abstains from food for more than 72 hours, as a form of protest.

According to Nobel Prize-winning biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi, during prolonged starvation, our body enters a survival mode called 'autophagy' or 'self-eating.' The body will recycle damaged cell components and proteins for energy. When fat and glycogen reserves are depleted, the body will start breaking down its own muscle proteins to sustain vital functions and keep the brain active. 

VTF's impact
A VTF can cause the following effects on the body:
a) It weakens and shrinks the heart

b) It causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure

c) Dizziness, fainting, weak pulses

d) Irregular heartbeats

e) Cognitive slowing

f) Loss of muscle coordination

g) Permanent double vision

h) Coma, seizure

i) Multiple renal and gastrointestinal problems

j) Musculoskeletal and immunity issues