Dewey graduated from the College of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Michigan in 1864 with a medical degree, and became an assistant surgeon in the Army of the United States.

[2] He advocated long fasts and believed that abstinence from food could cure insanity and mental disorders.

[3] The journal concluded that his ideas about fasting being a cure-all for disease was not supported by solid evidence and was a "foolish delusion".

[3] Physician William Tibbles wrote that moderate fasts are beneficial but should be carried out under proper medical supervision.

Hazzard was a quack doctor noted for her promotion of fasting as a treatment, and was imprisoned by the state of Washington for a number of deaths resulting from this at a sanatorium she operated there in the early 20th century.