Survey: Majority of Young People Find Fasting Meaningful - Seven in ten Germans now embrace fasting for better health and well-being

Fasting remains a popular practice in Germany, with many viewing it as a way to improve health. New figures show that seven in ten Germans believe fasting brings benefits, while younger adults are increasingly embracing the tradition. The most common items people plan to give up for Lent include alcohol, sweets, and meat.

Over half of Germans have tried fasting at least once, with 15% doing so only once and 50% multiple times. Among those under 30, support has grown significantly—85% now see fasting as meaningful, up from 84% in 2025 compared to 76% in 2024.

Alcohol tops the list of things people would quit for Lent, with 75% willing to give it up. Sweets follow closely at 71%, while meat comes next, with 52% considering it. Younger Germans are more likely to cut out meat, with 66% of under-30s open to the idea, compared to just 48% of those over 60.

Education also plays a role in attitudes toward fasting. Around 75% of respondents with a university entrance qualification or degree view fasting as health-conscious. This drops to 51% among those with only a basic secondary education. Even among older Germans, interest persists—62% of people over 60 could imagine taking part in fasting.

The trend suggests fasting is becoming more widely accepted, particularly among younger and more educated groups. With alcohol, sweets, and meat the most common items to give up, the practice continues to shape dietary habits across different age ranges. The growing approval reflects a broader shift toward health-conscious choices in Germany.