1 January 2025
 Healthy fasting has become a widespread practice in recent years, with many people incorporating it into their lifestyle to promote wellness. However, not every fasting method is right for everyone, as each body has unique needs based on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Therefore, any trend, no matter how good it sounds, should be reconsidered and questioned - with a doctor or nutritionist if necessary. Let's dive into a new study on fasting! The Marienkron Retreat & Health Resort, located in Mönchhof in the eastern Austrian federal state of Burgenland, is dedicated to fasting, detoxification and regeneration. The latest 'Marienkron Fasting Survey', conducted for the sixth time in a row by the market and opinion research institute Marketagent among a representative sample for Austria, reveals several trends in fasting in different age groups and insights into the health and dietary habits of the country's population. Fashion.at took a closer look at how the Marienkron health specialists explain the results of selected trends from the survey, in particular the trends regarding autophagy and nutritional supplements & superfood. Economic Situation and New Year's Resolutions One of the survey's findings sheds light on the financial situation of the population. As cost-cutting measures continue to affect people's behavior, a significant number of respondents are buying less expensive healthy foods, particularly women and the younger Gen Z demographic. A quarter of respondents reported cutting back on or avoiding healthy foods due to economic pressures, reflecting the broader challenge of maintaining health goals amid rising costs. Despite the fact that nearly half of respondents (51.7%) say rising costs are impacting their fasting plans, eating habits or health resolutions, planning to eat healthier in 2025 is the top priority. The study found that the top New Year's resolutions for 2025 were to eat healthier (47.4%), sleep better (44.7%) and reduce stress (43.4%). These priorities were reflected in fasting trends, with nearly half (49.2%) of Austrians planning to fast in 2025. Autophagy - Trend in Diet and Fasting Practices In the published survey report, the Marienkron specialists provide further insights into fasting trends. In addition to weight loss, half of Austrians (46.2%) see the detoxifying effect of fasting as the main focus, as does one in three who see a positive effect on their metabolism. Dr. Ulrike Göschl, Marienkron's chief spa doctor, underscores the growing trend of fasting, highlighting its broader health benefits beyond weight loss, particularly the detoxifying effects of autophagy. (Editor's note: Autophagy is the process by which cells break down and recycle their own damaged or unnecessary components to maintain cellular health and function.) Autophagy has become a trend in diet and fasting practices. In particular, intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a way to promote autophagy. According to the survey results, about two-thirds of Austrians (68%) have tried intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting remains by far the best known (62.6%) and most popular (36.2%) form of fasting. The report quotes Dr. Ulrike Göschl as saying that intermittent fasting can be easily integrated into daily life with minimal sacrifice and fits in with many people's tendency to skip breakfast or have an early evening meal. In terms of dietary preferences, Gen Z is significantly more likely to be vegetarian or vegan, with 13% reporting such eating habits, compared to only 6.6% of the general population. Similarly, the 'Low Carb Diet' was particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials, while older generations preferred traditional weight loss methods such as the 'Eat Half' diet. Supplements: A Growing Trend Nutritional supplements are on the rise, with 14.6% of Austrians planning to include them in their diet by 2025. Dr. Ulrike Göschl explained that there is a growing misconception that taking numerous supplements is enough to prevent disease, often replacing the need for a holistic, healthy lifestyle. She pointed out that many supplements come from questionable sources without quality control, as they are not subjected to the same testing as pharmaceuticals. She also recommended getting essential substances through a healthy diet or 'superfoods' such as flaxseed or wheat germ. Image: The picture shows a woman eating at the restaurant of the Marienkron Retreat & Health Resort in Mönchhof in the Seewinkel region of Burgenland, Austria. Founded in 1969 by Cistercian nuns, the resort reopened in 2019 after a complete renovation and new construction with a new focus on the gut and health. Photo: © Steve Haider. |
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