Fasten as a self-test and reset step: "just hold out for a bit" - From faith to fitness: How Germans now fast for health over spirituality

Fasting in Germany and Austria has shifted away from its religious roots and is now driven more by health and self-improvement. A 2026 survey shows that 65% of people fast for physical well-being, while only a small fraction do so for spiritual reasons. The trend reflects broader changes in how society views abstinence—whether from food, alcohol, or even digital devices.

Max König, a 33-year-old industrial engineer from Gummersbach, has practiced water fasting for at least five days a year since his early twenties. He also avoids alcohol, meat, and added sugars for nearly six weeks annually. His journey began with cutting out alcohol, then gradually eliminating sugar and processed foods with additives.

König reports lasting benefits, including a better grasp of nutrition and a more mindful approach to eating meat. His experience aligns with a wider trend: a Forsa survey found that 72% of German adults see temporary abstinence for health reasons as meaningful, with alcohol, sweets, and meat being the most commonly avoided items.

Gunther Hirschfelder, a cultural scholar at the University of Regensburg, describes fasting as a phenomenon of affluence. It is most common among urban, educated, and financially secure individuals. Meanwhile, sociologist Eva Barlösius from Leibniz University Hannover notes that modern fasting extends beyond food—people now abstain from smartphones, driving, or other habits to break addictions or regain control.

The options for fasting are diverse, ranging from intermittent fasting and Dry January to therapeutic fasting and digital detoxes. Many choose unlabelled, personalized methods. Yet Hirschfelder warns of risks, especially for young people influenced by social media's pressure to achieve an 'ideal body.'

Religious fasting still exists but has diminished in mainstream society. While Catholic traditions like Lent retreats persist, they remain niche compared to secular wellness trends. Hirschfelder observes that 'Christian fasting' is now met with skepticism, whereas 'Islamic fasting' during Ramadan retains positive associations due to its communal and identity-affirming nature.

The shift from religious to health-focused fasting highlights changing cultural priorities. With 46% of Austrians reporting they have never fasted and 22% planning none, traditional practices are declining. Yet the rise in secular fasting—whether for weight loss, mindfulness, or habit control—shows its growing acceptance as a tool for personal well-being.