Marienkron fasting survey 2021: 

How Austria fasts

Fasting is a centuries-old therapy. Especially at the beginning of the year, many people resolve to include fasting days or even a fasting week. But how much do Austrians really know about fasting, and what experiences have they already had? For the second time, Kurhaus Marienkron asked: How does Austria fast? (Here you can find the results of the first fasting survey.)

500 Austrians, as a representative cross-section, answered questions on fasting. The results were both exciting and, in some cases, unexpected!

High willingness to fast in the new year

Four out of ten Austrians plan to fast in the new year. Still, the main motivation for fasting in most cases remains weight loss. Compared to the previous year, this figure has even doubled (from 30% to 60%). Strikingly, the desire to lose weight through fasting is much stronger among women (70%) than among men (47%). However, fasting is not the optimal dietary method for losing weight, as our spa physician Dr. Göschl explains: “Fasting is not a diet for weight loss. The calorie intake is far too low in the long term and would lead to a deficiency of important nutrients.” But it’s not only about losing weight – many also want to cleanse and detoxify their bodies. One in three chooses fasting to feel better.

According to the Marienkron Fasting Survey, one in five Austrians fasts consciously “for preventive health care,” and one in seven wants to strengthen their immune system through fasting. “Fasting relieves our gut and thus the immune activity that constantly takes place at the intestinal barrier. Gut bacteria react quickly to the changed food intake, and with a plant-based reintroduction of food after fasting, the growth of a balanced gut flora can be sustainably stimulated – which also strengthens intestinal defenses. The general immune system is further boosted by exercise in the fresh air, relaxation, and ideally complementary Kneipp applications,” explains Dr. Ulrike Göschl about the interplay of fasting, gut health, and immunity.

Intermittent fasting: Austria’s most popular fasting method

According to the survey, intermittent fasting is the best-known and most popular fasting method among Austrians. Six out of ten respondents are familiar with intermittent fasting (also known as “time-restricted eating”). This method alternates between eating and fasting periods, usually in a 16:8 rhythm. Awareness of this method has risen by 11% compared to the previous year. Other well-known fasting types are therapeutic fasting (49%), soup fasting (35%), and juice fasting (32%).

How does fasting affect my body?

More than half of the respondents agree that fasting has a positive effect on the body. Especially its beneficial impact on metabolism (39%) and lowering blood pressure (24%) are well known. One in three believes fasting helps balance gut flora, and one in five says fasting strengthens the immune system. Other effects respondents associate with fasting include:

• slowing down the aging process (20%)
• a positive effect on diabetes (16%)
• an energy boost (11%)
• positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis and depression (10%)

“Many guests come to Kurhaus Marienkron with exactly these complaints. With an individualized nutrition plan, Kneipp therapies, phytotherapy, mind-body medicine, counseling, and much more, we can set targeted impulses and counteract stress, pain, high blood pressure, rheumatism, early diabetes, and so on.” explains Dr. Ulrike Göschl about preventive health opportunities.

A strong immune system despite the pandemic

In challenging times like these, mental and physical health have taken on new significance. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Austrians are paying more attention to doing something good for their health. Six out of ten respondents said they strengthen their immune system by getting regular fresh air. 38% rely on sufficient sleep. At least 7% of respondents stated that fasting days or multi-day fasting cures had strengthened their immune system.

Nutritionist and fasting expert Prof. Dr. Andreas Michalsen comments: “The risk of experiencing a more severe course of a COVID-19 infection depends, alongside age, very much on the function and ‘fitness’ of our immune system. For a long time, studies have shown that immune system fitness in fighting viruses and bacteria can be promoted through healthy diet, fasting, exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep. A well-functioning immune system also leads to better vaccine efficacy.”Prof. Michalsen, Chief Physician of the Department of Naturopathy at Immanuel Hospital Berlin and Professor of Clinical Naturopathy at Charité, has been advising Kurhaus Marienkron as a scientific consultant since 2019 and has helped shape its focus on gut and health.

The past months have not left Austrians’ eating habits untouched. Our study shows that 17% started eating healthier due to the lockdown. Of the respondents, 15% stated that they ate more plant-based. Only a few (13%) said they ate more during the lockdown.

Those who want to experience fasting with medical and therapeutic guidance in a calm, relaxed environment will find the right fasting programs and information here at Marienkron. Marienkron remains open for you as a health facility. Especially in times of uncertainty, we support you in your efforts to stay healthy. Our high hygiene standards are continuously monitored to ensure a safe stay in Marienkron. We look forward to welcoming you away from the hustle and bustle.

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