Muluwork Ambaw, a 26-year-old Ethiopian woman, has made a shocking claim that she has not consumed food or water since she was 10 years old. According to her account, Ambaw suddenly lost her appetite as a child and has continued living without eating or drinking. Her extraordinary claim gained international attention after travel content creator Drew Binsky visited her in Ethiopia and documented her story and daily life.
Ambaw's last meal was reportedly lentil stew before she stopped eating and drinking. She claims that she simply stopped feeling hungry or thirsty and has continued living without consuming food or water. Despite her claims, Ambaw said she enjoys preparing meals for her family and visitors. She reportedly grows vegetables in her garden so she can cook fresh food when her sister or guests visit.
Ambaw's claim has raised several questions, including how she managed during pregnancy. According to reports, Ambaw received glucose infusions during her pregnancy to provide her body with energy. After giving birth, she said she was unable to breastfeed because she did not produce breast milk. Her child was subsequently fed with artificial milk.
Ambaw has undergone medical examinations in Ethiopia and abroad, including tests reportedly carried out in Addis Ababa, India, Qatar, and Dubai. According to accounts surrounding her story, medical professionals who examined her did not identify an explanation for her reported lack of appetite. She has also reportedly undergone mental health assessments in Qatar and Dubai.
When asked by Binsky whether her claim was true, Ambaw maintained that she had not eaten for 16 years. She attributed her condition to God and said she intended to continue her fast, adding that she did not expect to eat again. However, there is no independently verified scientific evidence establishing that Ambaw has survived for 16 years without consuming food or water.
Medical science generally recognises water as essential for human survival, with severe dehydration becoming life-threatening within a relatively short period. Claims of prolonged survival without food or water therefore require controlled, independently verified evidence before they can be accepted as fact. Ambaw has reportedly challenged people who doubt her account to visit her and see for themselves.
Ambaw's story has since attracted attention online, with many people questioning how such a prolonged absence of food and water could be possible. Her case has sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism, with some people expressing concern for her well-being and others questioning the validity of her claims.
Key points
- Ethiopian woman Muluwork Ambaw claims 16-year fast without food or water
- Ambaw's case defies medical understanding, sparks fascination and skepticism online
- Medical professionals have not identified an explanation for Ambaw's reported lack of appetite
