What health risks are their to the body by not eating enough?

Answer 1

2 answers to that question are about the minimum to be fair.

And the answer is based on Assuming a short time means a few hours, less than 5.

1st is, you must consider the metabolism of who this question is for. IF someone is a competition bodybuilder, research suggests that they could lose some muscle mass/strength, if they didn't eat, for more than about three hours. I have personally experienced this. Small meals every 3 hours, of 20-40 grams of protein 210lb man) are essential to not go backwards. Most people do not have 18inch biceps to protect.

SO, the 2nd IS for the normal person, males and females differ, but generally speaking, a few hours (3-5) will not have an adverse response or health risk associated with it. Unless there is an acidic condition, like gout, or acidosis, or Arthritis plus a long list of other acidic, inflammatory conditions. BUT assuming the person we are answering is in GOOD and normal health, No harm with 3-5 hours. Some people regularly "fast", where they do not consume solids for periods of days. This practice of abstaining from food for days is questionable, for anyone, likely dangerous. Even the normal persons blood sugars, gasses and GI tract motility, etc. change in as little as one half day(12hrs) without Nutrition/solids. Sorry for the long answer, but a person's heath, is their wealth to some extent, so caution and exclusions should always be mentioned, with health. I Hope this was helpful, answered your question! Good Luck.

Answer 2

Malnutrition, Vitamin deficiency and a weak immune system.