Fasten as a self-test and reset step: "just hold out for a bit" - How fasting became Germany's latest wellness obsession beyond religion

Fasting has shifted from a religious tradition to a modern health practice in Germany. More people now give up food or habits like alcohol and meat for personal well-being rather than faith. A recent Forsa survey found that 72% of adults see temporary abstinence as meaningful, often cutting out sweets, meat, or alcohol.

Max König, a 33-year-old industrial engineer from Gummersbach, has fasted for nearly six weeks every year since his early twenties. He starts on Ash Wednesday, drinking only water for at least five days and avoiding alcohol, meat, and added sugars. Over time, he has expanded his challenges, finding that fasting deepens his understanding of nutrition and makes him more mindful of meat consumption.

The trend reflects broader changes in German society. In the 1980s, only 5-10% of people fasted, often for religious reasons. By the 2020s, surveys like the DKV-Report 2023 show 20-30% now practice fasting, mostly for health or weight loss. Younger adults (18-35), urban residents, and higher-income groups lead the shift, with 35-45% of young people and 40% of affluent individuals taking part.

Experts see fasting as a response to modern excess. Eva Barlösius, a sociologist at Leibniz University Hannover, notes that people often target habits they feel have become uncontrollable, such as addictive behaviours. Gunther Hirschfelder, a cultural scholar at the University of Regensburg, calls it a 'phenomenon of affluence,' most common among educated, financially secure urbanites. However, he warns of risks, especially for young people influenced by social media's pressure to be thin.

Today's fasting is highly personal. Many adapt the practice to regain self-control, focusing on autonomy rather than strict rules. The approach varies widely, from short water fasts to long-term dietary changes.

Fasting now appeals to a broad range of people, driven by health goals rather than religious duty. Surveys confirm its growing popularity, particularly among younger and more affluent groups. While benefits like mindfulness and self-discipline are widely reported, experts caution against extreme practices linked to social media trends.