Marienkron fasting survey 2023: how Austria fasts

Fasting is a centuries-old therapy. But how much do Austrians actually know about fasting, and what experiences have they had?

Just in time for the new year, the results of the latest “Marienkron fasting survey” are here. For the fourth time, Kurhaus Marienkron, Austria’s center for gut health, offers fascinating insights into the nation’s fasting and eating habits. Once again, the spotlight is on the trends, resolutions and motives behind deliberate abstinence. This year, the survey also examined whether rising costs are influencing fasting plans, nutrition and health.

Center for gut health sheds light on fasting and eating habits

• Top 3 health goals for 2023: adequate sleep, healthy eating, time in nature
• Top diet choice in Austria: “mixed diet with little meat”
• Growing enthusiasm: already 1 in 2 Austrians planned fasting days in 2023
• Looking back at 2022: 3 in 10 Austrians fasted – main motives: 1. “cleansing and detox,” 2. “weight loss,” 3. “well-being”
• Intermittent fasting: still the best-known and most practiced fasting method
• Enjoyment as motivation: tasty fasting dishes encourage reluctant fasters
• Effects of rising costs: 5 in 10 Austrians say higher living costs could change their eating and health behavior

Download fasting survey PDF

Fasting – a trending topic

The number of fasting enthusiasts continues to grow: while 41% planned a fasting retreat in 2020 and 2021, the figure rose to 46% in 2022. Looking ahead to 2023, more than half of respondents (53.1%) said they wanted to make time for deliberate abstinence—whether through single fasting days, intermittent fasting, traditional fasting season, or guided retreats in a fasting center. Interestingly, fasting appeals especially to younger adults aged 18–39.

The fasting year 2022 – a review

According to the survey, more than a third of Austrians (34.9%) actually carried out their fasting plans in 2022, taking fasting days or multi-day retreats. Average fasting duration shortened to 14.8 days, compared to 18.2 days the year before.

“Cleansing and detoxification” was the top motive (43%), followed by “weight loss” (36.9%), “better well-being” (35.8%) and “improving eating habits” (22.2%). Weight loss was a less dominant reason than in 2021.

Reasons for not fasting varied: one in three considered fasting days “not useful.” Nearly 28% lacked motivation, 24% had not looked into the topic enough, another 24% didn’t want to give up enjoyment, and 6% admitted they lacked the discipline to stick with it.

Fasting as preventive healthcare

Health goals for 2023 reveal a strong need for rest: half of Austrians said they mainly want to “get enough sleep”—especially the 18–29 age group (58.6%). Healthier eating, more time in nature, and more sport or exercise are also key goals. Nearly two thirds of 18–29-year-olds want to exercise more, compared to one quarter of 60–75-year-olds. Among Millennials (born 1981–1995), half aim to reduce stress. Meditation and yoga are on the agenda for 20% of women, but only 7% of men. One in ten have no specific health or nutrition resolutions at all.

Austrians are aware that fasting can support well-being—especially weight loss (52.9%) and cleansing (51.9%). Fewer know that fasting can positively affect the gut microbiome (29.3%), slow aging (17.2%), or improve depression (9.3%).

About 2 in 10 (21.6%) fast specifically as a preventive measure for health—especially common among those aged 40–75. Regional differences also show: in western Austria (Tyrol/Vorarlberg), fasting as preventive healthcare is more valued than in Vienna.

Intermittent fasting still number one

Most Austrians have personal fasting experience: two thirds of those familiar with fasting have tried it—be it soup fasting, therapeutic fasting, or juice fasting. 38% have tried intermittent fasting (the 16:8 method). Women in particular favor this form. Dr. Ulrike Göschl, Marienkron’s medical director, explains why: “Intermittent fasting is a form of short-term fasting. Eating and fasting alternate in a set rhythm—for example, 16 hours of fasting followed by 8 hours for meals. The clearly defined time windows make it easy to fit into everyday life. If you plan wisely, you sleep through most of the fasting period. It feels less like giving something up.”

Growing nutritional awareness

For the first time, the survey also asked about current eating habits. The main findings: “mixed diet with little meat” (54.3%) and “mixed diet with a lot of meat” (37.4%) dominate. Two thirds of women fall into the first category, while about half of men fall into the second. Meat consumption peaks among 30–59-year-olds, while both younger (<30) and older (>60) groups eat less. In total, 8% follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Looking deeper: over half of respondents cook mostly at home (46% of men, 64% of women) and pay attention to hydration (52.9%). Four in ten drink little or no alcohol. One third prioritize regional or seasonal products; another third reduce sugar. A quarter use organic foods. About 2 in 10 focus on low-fat or calorie-conscious diets. Overall, healthier eating is especially important for women (54.2%). “The survey results reflect what we see in the Kurhaus,” says Dr. Göschl. “Nutritional awareness has increased significantly, and people are far better informed than in the past. We rarely need to convince anyone to fast. Most who come already know what to expect and understand that gut health is key. They appreciate our guidance and support during fasting. For those seeking long-term dietary change, support from our dietitians during a stay in Marienkron is a valuable way to ease into new habits.”

Fasting with enjoyment

Interest in multi-day retreats is particularly strong among younger people and experienced fasters. More than half overall can imagine dedicating time to fasting. “Health and well-being retreats have become more accepted in recent years. Many people find fasting to be a powerful way to regain balance and relaxation during stressful times—and that kind of regeneration takes time,” says Elke Müller, director of Kurhaus Marienkron. To keep guests motivated, fasting must also bring joy. That’s why Marienkron’s expert team created a “fasting with enjoyment” concept. And it matches survey results: 88% of respondents now say tasty fasting dishes are important (up from 81% in 2021).

Around 45% of those reluctant to fast would consider a multi-day retreat if medically necessary. Enjoyment is another motivator: 18% would try fasting if it didn’t mean giving up pleasure. 16% see therapies and treatments as an added incentive. About one quarter say they would not fast under any circumstances.

Impact of rising costs on eating habits and fasting plans

In addition to fasting habits, Kurhaus Marienkron wanted to know in its survey how much general price increases influence fasting intentions, nutrition, or health goals. The result: more than half of respondents already feel the effects on their own diet and health behavior.

Excerpt from the Marienkron Fasting Survey 2023:

Thinking about your current daily life: What impact do rising costs have on your fasting plans, diet, or your goal of a healthier lifestyle? (Multiple answers possible.)

• Buy fewer expensive healthy foods or avoid them altogether: 28.7%
• Buy fewer organic foods or avoid them altogether: 19.6%
• Postpone or avoid buying new sports/fitness equipment: 17.6%
• Buy fewer dietary supplements or avoid them altogether: 14.1%
• Shorten or cancel a sports holiday: 10.1%
• Shorten or cancel a health retreat: 9.5%
• Cancel or reduce a sports subscription (e.g. fitness center): 8.5%
• Do fewer fasting retreats or avoid them altogether: 5.1%

Download fasting survey PDF

Fasting at Kurhaus Marienkron: If you want to experience fasting with medical and therapeutic guidance in a calm, relaxed setting, you will find the right programs and information here in Marienkron. As a health facility, we remain open for you. Especially in uncertain times, we support 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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