Episode 34: Fasting Girls

Breakfast with Mom

*****TRIGGER WARNING*****
Hello and welcome back to Breakfast with Mom
Today we are going to discuss a phenomenon that occurred in the 19th century commonly referred to as “Fasting Girls”. Please note this episode makes reference to eating disorders and mental illness, if these topics are triggering please feel free to skip this episode. All my resources can be found in the show notes.
The term "fasting girls" refers to a phenomenon observed primarily in the 19th century where young girls or women claimed to be able to survive for long periods without eating. These cases garnered significant attention from both medical professionals and the public, often sparking debates about the nature of human physiology, spirituality, and social dynamics.

Several famous cases emerged during this time, such as that of Sarah Jacob in Wales, who claimed not to have eaten for several years. Another well-known case was that of Mollie Fancher, also known as the "Brooklyn Enigma," who claimed to have gone without food for extended periods.

Resources:

https://www.newspapers.com/image/114899416/?match=1&terms=fasting%20girls

https://www.welshlegalhistory.org/research-jacobs-case.php

https://biography.wales/article/s-JACO-SAR-1857

https://blpress.org/books/the-welsh-fasting-girl/#:~:text=Twelve%2Dyear%2Dold%20Sarah%20Jacob,%2C%20scientific%2C%20and%20political%20factions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting_girl

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Moore_(impostor)

National Eating Disorders Association:

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Say What?!:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/giraffe-grabs-texas-toddler-safari_n_666295e4e4b091105f3a395b

All the things:

Music: "Electronic Rock (King Around Here)" by Alex Grohl https://pixabay.com/music/search/electronic%20rock%20king

Logo Artwork: Strawbeary Studios https://www.youtube.com/@StrawbearyStudios/featured

Episode was researched, written and edited by Shanoa

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