Survey: Majority of Young People Find Fasting Meaningful - Younger Germans lead a fasting revolution for better health in 2026

Lent in 2026 will start on February 18, and many Germans are already planning what to give up. A growing number see fasting as a way to improve health, with younger generations leading the trend. New survey data reveals shifting attitudes towards traditional and modern fasting practices across age groups.

A recent poll shows that 70% of Germans believe fasting benefits their health. Among those with a university education, 75% would willingly forgo a luxury item or consumer good for several weeks. The most common items people plan to give up in 2026 are alcohol, sweets, and meat.

Younger Germans, in particular, are embracing fasting. Among under-30s, 85% view it as meaningful, up from 76% in 2024. Support has grown steadily, with 84% approval in 2025. Nearly two-thirds of this age group could imagine cutting out meat during Lent. Over the past five years, they have also adopted trendy fasting methods like intermittent fasting (16:8), dry fasting, or OMAD (one meal a day). Studies, including the DGE Nutrition Report 2025, found that 42% of under-30s now practise intermittent fasting, compared to just 18% of those over 50.

Older generations still prefer traditional approaches. Around 62% of people over 60 would consider fasting, often sticking to calorie restriction or religious practices like Lent. Half of all respondents have fasted before, with 15% trying it once and 35% doing so multiple times. Three-quarters of Germans overall would most easily give up alcohol and sweets.

The 2026 Lent period begins on February 18, with more Germans than ever viewing fasting as a health-conscious choice. Younger adults are driving the shift toward modern methods, while older groups maintain traditional habits. The trend reflects broader changes in how different generations approach diet and well-being.