Social activist Sonam Wangchuck is on day 19 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting the NEET 2026 paper leak, and his health is reportedly deteriorating with doctors warning of a critical phase ahead, despite his assurances and absence of underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension, as he has lost over 9 kilograms and shows signs of muscle weakening and ketosis, though his vital signs like oxygen levels and blood pressure remain within acceptable ranges, and while a plea to force-feed him is before the Delhi High Court, such a measure carries the risk of refeeding syndrome, necessitating a controlled intravenous reintroduction of fluids and electrolytes for safety.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuck is on day 19 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting the NEET 2026 paper leak, and his health is reportedly deteriorating with doctors warning of a critical phase ahead, despite his assurances and absence of underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension, as he has lost over 9 kilograms and shows signs of muscle weakening and ketosis, though his vital signs like oxygen levels and blood pressure remain within acceptable ranges, and while a plea to force-feed him is before the Delhi High Court, such a measure carries the risk of refeeding syndrome, necessitating a controlled intravenous reintroduction of fluids and electrolytes for safety.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuck is on day 19 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting the NEET 2026 paper leak, and his health is reportedly deteriorating with doctors warning of a critical phase ahead, despite his assurances and absence of underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension, as he has lost over 9 kilograms and shows signs of muscle weakening and ketosis, though his vital signs like oxygen levels and blood pressure remain within acceptable ranges, and while a plea to force-feed him is before the Delhi High Court, such a measure carries the risk of refeeding syndrome, necessitating a controlled intravenous reintroduction of fluids and electrolytes for safety.

As social activist Sonam Wangchuk reaches the 19th day of his hunger strike, his health condition is worsening, according to the medical team attending to him. Doctors say that the next few days could be critical for him. While 59-year-old Wangchuk reassures everyone that he remains healthy, studies show that prolonged fasting for more than 72 hours has adverse effects on the human body and can affect the functioning of multiple organs.

He has currently lost 9.1 kg in total and continues to lose weight. Dr Satish Lambia, his physician, mentioned that his oxygen levels are stable at 97 per cent, while his blood sugars are on the lower end at 80 mg/dl. His blood pressure levels are nearly normal, with 105/61 mmHg lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting. Wangchuk’s ECG reports are normal, but Dr Lambia says that his muscles are weakening and that ketones have been detected in his urine sample, which is an alarming sign.

The activist is observing a full fast, with only water and occasional saltwater intake. Medical professionals confirm that his hydration was fair and that he is mentally alert. Dr Lambia mentions that the only relief is that Wangchuk does not have any underlying health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.

Prolonged fasting in healthy individuals proves to have some benefits, which include cellular cleanups (autophagy), weight loss and reduced inflammation. However, muscle wasting is the main adverse effect during a period of undernutrition, when the body may break down vital lean muscle instead of just fat for energy. Cardiac arrhythmia, which causes an irregular heartbeat, can also occur from the loss of essential minerals. Long-term ketosis can occur, where your body is deprived of carbohydrates and switches to burning fat for energy, causing excessive amounts of acid production, more than what the kidneys can expel.

The condition can prove to be fatal, even if water intake is maintained, with starvation leading the body to consume its own muscle tissue and vital organs, including the heart. It should not be attempted by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with underlying health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

A plea filed in the Delhi High Court by a lawyer to force-feed Wangchuk is ongoing. However, if he is suddenly force-fed, his body faces the risk of a condition called refeeding syndrome. Reintroducing food to the system can cause the body to rapidly shift electrolytes like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium into cells. This shift can cause severe heart, neurological, and respiratory complications.

The safest way to reintroduce minerals into his body would be through intravenous drips, which will introduce dextrose (sugar) and saline (salt) solution with essential electrolytes inside the body in a controlled manner.

His protest, which continues at the Jantar Mantar, is in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party, which demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 2026 paper leak.

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