There was a surprising case when someone survived 382 days. Lean people can usually survive with a loss of up to 18% of their body mass. Obese people can tolerate more, possibly over 20%. Females survive longer than males. Signs and symptoms
The following are some of the symptoms of starvation:

Changes in behaviour or mental status
The beginning stages of starvation impact mental status and behaviours. These symptoms show up as irritable mood, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and preoccupation with food thoughts. People with those symptoms tend to be easily distracted and have no energy. Physical signs
As starvation progresses, the physical symptoms set in. The timing of these symptoms depends on age, size, and overall health. It usually takes days to weeks, and includes weakness, fast heart rate, shallow breaths that are slowed, thirst, and constipation. There may also be diarrhea in some cases. The eyes begin to sink in and glass over. The muscles begin to become smaller and muscle wasting sets in. One prominent sign in children is a swollen belly. Skin loosens and turns pale in color, and there may be swelling of the feet and ankles. Weakened immune system
Symptoms of starvation may also appear as a weakened immune system, slow wound healing, and poor response to infection. Rashes may develop on the skin. The body directs any nutrients available to keeping organs functioning. Other symptoms
Other effects of starvation may include:

Anemia
Gallstones
Hypotension
Stomach disease
Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
Kidney disease or failure
Electrolyte imbalance
Emaciation
Oliguria

Stages of starvation
The symptoms of starvation show up in three stages.
Botulinum toxin ("Botox") type A may reduce spasticity a few months at a time and has frequently been considered a beneficial treatment for children with SHCP and other forms of CP. Botox has been shown to be especially beneficial to reducing spasticity in the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. This therapy can improve range of motion, reduce deformity, improve response to occupational and physical therapy, and delay the need for surgery. Botulinum toxin type A injections have also shown advantages for upper extremities. There is still some doubt about its use to improve upper limb function as it may induce muscle weakness temporary. Casting and occupational therapy used in conjunction with Botox injections, may be an additional option for better results. Research is constantly investing in new improvements and more experimental therapy and treatment. Epidemiology
The incidence of cerebral palsy has increased in the past 40 years. It has been estimated that in the United States cerebral palsy occurs in 4 out every 1000 births. Of these births about 20–30% of them have spastic hemiplegia. Spasticity overall, is the more common type of cerebral palsy, whereas non-spastic cerebral palsy is less common. Studies show that spastic cerebral palsy is on the rise, and the occurrence of diplegia type is decreasing. The prevalence of cerebral palsy is higher in areas of low socioeconomic status. This could potentially be because cerebral palsy incidence increases as birth weight decreases. == References ==