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To the Editor:—
An article titled "Correction and Control of Intractable Obesity, Practicable Application of Intermittent Periods of Total Fasting," by Dr. Garfield G. Duncan and others, appeared in The Journal (181:309 [July 28] 1962).... The authors fail to take cognizance of fundamental physiological principles which contravene their conclusions.... Benedict made a most thorough study of prolonged fasting (Study of Prolonged Fasting, publication 203, Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Institute, 1915).... During the period of the repletion of protein an enormous gain of weight will occur even though the patient is in caloric equilibrium. (See "Weight Reduction" in Letters to the Journal 183:620 [Feb 16] 1963.)