Fasten as a self-test and reset step: "just hold out for a bit" - Beyond Faith: How Germans Are Redefining Fasting for Health and Control
Fasting in Germany has moved far beyond its religious roots. Once linked mainly to Christian Lent or Islamic Ramadan 2025, it now reflects broader trends in health, self-discipline, and personal growth. A growing number of people are giving up food, alcohol, or even digital devices—not just for faith, but for control, wellness, and a sense of achievement.
The shift in fasting habits has been marked. A 2026 Forsa survey revealed that 72% of adults see abstaining for health reasons as meaningful, with alcohol, sweets, and meat topping the list. Among younger people, acceptance has surged: 85% of 18- to 29-year-olds now view fasting positively, compared to just 51% in 2013. Even during Lent, 72% of Germans still consciously fast, despite declining church attendance.
Religious traditions remain strong in some communities. Around 75% of Germany's roughly six million Muslims observe Ramadan 2025 at least partially, with evening meals becoming a key social event. Meanwhile, Christian Lent has taken on a more individualised form, with people cutting out alcohol, sweets, or social media rather than following strict church guidelines.
For many, fasting is about reclaiming control. Max König, a 33-year-old industrial engineer from Gummersbach, fasts for five days on water alone and avoids alcohol, meat, and sugar for nearly six weeks. He started in his early twenties with alcohol and gradually added new challenges. The experience has reshaped his approach to nutrition and mindfulness, particularly around meat consumption.
Experts note that this trend leans toward affluent, educated urban groups. Gunther Hirschfelder, a cultural scholar at Regensburg University, calls fasting a 'phenomenon of affluence,' most common among those with financial security. Eva Barlösius, a sociologist at Leibniz University Hannover, adds that people today often forgo things they feel have spiralled out of control—whether food, smartphones, or driving.
Yet risks remain, especially for younger people. Hirschfelder warns that fasting's popularity, combined with social media's pressure to be thin, could lead to unhealthy extremes. At the same time, public acceptance is growing, with events like Frankfurt's Ramadan lighting since 2024 promoting inclusivity.
Fasting now spans religious devotion, health goals, and personal empowerment. While traditional practices like Ramadan 2025 and Lent persist, secular motivations dominate for many. The trend reflects a wider desire for self-control, though experts caution against potential downsides, particularly when influenced by social media. For those who embrace it, the effects often extend beyond the fast itself, shaping long-term habits and mindsets.
