PORTLAND — Christian Nielsen, the suspect in four murders in the Bethel area over Labor Day weekend, received treatment for self-imposed starvation Friday that fell short of court ordered force-feeding.

Cumberland County Chief Deputy Kevin Joyce issued a statement Friday saying that Neilsen, 32, was consuming some food and fluids and had stopped an excessive regimen of exercise.

Nielsen’s health became a concern in recent weeks when jail officials noticed a dramatic weight loss. He dropped more than 50 pounds since his arrest in September and entered a life threatening condition, jail officials said.

On Thursday, Justice Robert Crowley gave the jail permission to force feed Nielsen, but so far that has not been necessary, Joyce said.

On Wednesday, Crowley ordered Nielsen to be committed to the Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, for observation and treatment.

Nielsen is awaiting trial for killing three women at the Black Bear Bed & Breakfast in Newry on Sept. 3 and 4, and dismembering their bodies. He was also charged with shooting a man in Upton on Sept. 1 and burning his body.

Nielsen’s trial is scheduled to begin in October..