It is widely accepted that the human body can survive for up to one week without food or water. However, if you only have access to water, your survival time can be extended to two or three months. Prolonged periods of restricted food intake can reduce life expectancy. Generally speaking, a person can survive for one to two months without food.
When it comes to hospice care, the amount of time a person can go without eating is much shorter. In most cases, patients will die within 10 days of ceasing to eat. In rare cases, this period can last several weeks. Estimates suggest that a person can live between 43 and 70 days without food.
During this time, the body will use its fat stores for energy. Once these stores are depleted, muscle begins to break down.