I believe they can go for something like a month without food. You can definitely try tempting him with something better like frozen brine shrimp and see if that helps.
As for what's wrong with him...I can't add anything that others haven't already mentioned, except for possibly internal parasites? For that some people say any salt is fine, others say you must use epsom salts. I'm not really sure and haven't used it, so that might be a question for a more senior member. :( I'm sorry to be so little help, and I hope that your little fish is feeling better soon!
Oh, and as for the water changes, I don't use filters (long story...) so I change 60 gallons of water every week and a half...(you'd think I'd just suck it up and use filters... lol... ;) and my guys, once they got used to the process, really don't seem to mind too much. I do make sure to put them in a darkened room while their in their cups, and I turn the lights out while I'm acclimatizing them as well, I've heard that helps too.
Again, I hope your boy is feeling better soon!