Why Lent's Extreme Diets and Intermittent Fasting Rarely Deliver Lasting Weight Loss

Lent has long been a time for abstinence, with many using the 40-day period to cut back on food and shed weight. Yet recent trends show that extreme dieting during this season rarely brings lasting results. Instead, newer approaches like intermittent fasting have gained ground—though their benefits remain limited.

For decades, some people viewed Lent as an opportunity to lose weight by restricting food. However, this practice has faded in Germany, with little documentation in recent years. The focus has shifted towards intermittent fasting, which surged in popularity after the 2010s, driven by social media and wellness influencers.

A 2026 Cochrane review found that such fasting leads to only about 3% weight loss—far below the 5% threshold considered clinically meaningful. Studies also show no clear improvements in quality of life, with experts from Charité and the German Diabetes Center (DZD) noting that the method offers no real advantage over traditional diets. The evidence remains mixed, with inconsistent results across different trials.

Meanwhile, crash diets during Lent often backfire. Rapid weight loss is usually followed by quick regain, a pattern known as the yo-yo effect. This cycle leaves many no lighter in the long run, despite short-term sacrifices.

The tradition of using Lent for weight loss has declined, replaced by modern fasting trends with modest outcomes. Research confirms that neither approach delivers significant or lasting benefits. Without sustainable habits, most people end up back where they started.