Survey: Majority of Young People Find Fasting Meaningful - Young Germans embrace fasting as a health trend ahead of Lent 2026

Lent in 2026 will start on February 18, and new figures show changing attitudes towards fasting in Germany. A growing number of people, especially younger adults, now see it as a meaningful way to improve health. The most common items they plan to give up include alcohol, sweets and meat.

Over the past five years, fasting has become more stable in Germany, with a slight rise among 18- to 34-year-olds. Support jumped from 22% in 2021 to 28% in 2025, while participation among those over 55 dipped from 18% to 15%. Data from the Robert Koch Institute and Allensbach surveys also reveal that highly educated individuals fast more often than those with lower qualifications.

Young adults are leading the trend. In 2025, 84% of 18- to 29-year-olds backed fasting, up from 76% the year before. Meanwhile, 85% in this age group now view it as meaningful, compared to 62% of those over 60. When it comes to specific sacrifices, 75% of all Germans would most easily give up alcohol, while 71% would cut out sweets and 52% would stop eating meat. Younger people are also more open to avoiding meat—66% of under-30s could imagine it, versus 48% of over-60s.

Experience with fasting varies. Half of respondents have tried it before, with 15% doing so once and 35% multiple times. Overall, 70% of Germans believe fasting benefits their health, and 75% of those with higher education see it as a health-conscious choice.

The shift in fasting habits reflects broader changes in how Germans approach health and consumption. Younger generations are embracing the practice more than older ones, while alcohol, sweets and meat remain the top items people are willing to forgo. With Lent approaching in February 2026, these trends suggest a continued focus on mindful consumption.