Jim Graham's World War II Experience as a Semi-Starvation Experiment Guinea Pig

Context and Purpose

• Time Period: World War II
• Issue: Starvation in Europe; understanding how to refeed starved people
• Experiment Proposal: Dr. Ancel Keys, University of Minnesota
  • Duration: 1 year split into 3 phases: normal diet (12 weeks), semi-starvation (24 weeks), rehabilitation (12 weeks)
  • Subjects: Conscientious objectors from civilian public service

Participant Selection

• Criteria:
  • Good health (no chronic diseases or disabling defects)
  • Good mental health
  • Ability to get along under stress
  • Interest in relief and rehabilitation work post-war
• Final Selection: 36 out of 100+ volunteers

Experimental Setup

• Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
• Living Quarters: Dormitory-style under University Stadium
• Facilities: Lounge, library, classrooms, cafeteria (for meals)
• Laboratory: Physiological hygiene - testing rooms, treadmills, labs

Phases of the Experiment

Control Period (12 weeks)

• Diet: Normal diet, amount adjusted based on individual body requirements, averaging about 3500-3700 calories/day
• Activities:
  • Normal sports, social activities
  • 15 hours/week assigned work
  • Educational programs and classes

Semi-Starvation Period (24 weeks)

• Diet: 1570 calories/day, foods typical of Central European famine diet (bread, potatoes, cereals, turnips, cabbage, minimal meats and dairy)
• Expected Weight Loss: 1/4 of body weight
• Activities:
  • Continue normal activities, minimum 22 miles walking/week, 30 minutes treadmill/week
  • 15 hours/week assigned jobs
• Physical and Psychological Effects:
  • Rapid weight loss, energy depletion, increased irritability
  • Development of edema, constant feeling of cold, psychological effects (depression, lack of will, constant thoughts of food)
• Incident: Participant broke diet, buddy system introduced to prevent future incidents
• Interest: Loss of interest in women, entertainment

Rehabilitation Period (12 weeks)

• Groups: Divided into four groups with additional calories (400, 800, 1200, 1600 additional calories/day)
  • Sub-groups for protein supplement and vitamin pill testing
• Reactions: Initial high spirits, followed by realization that rations were still insufficient
• Increased Rations: After 6 weeks, additional 800 calories provided
• Weight Gain: Slow, not achieving normal weight even after 3 months

Findings & Conclusions

• Preliminary Results (Dr. Keys): Important to rehabilitate physically before addressing psychological issues
  • Starved people need around 4000 calories for rehabilitation
  • Supplements (proteins, vitamins) are less critical compared to calorie abundance
• Long-term Analysis: Psychophysical changes, emphasizing the psychological impact; detailed report published in 1950

Personal Reflections

• Post-Experiment: Persistent hunger even after experiment, difficulty normalizing weight and eating habits
• Key Insight: Reflecting on the psychological toll of unknown end-date for starvation