Therapeutic fasting programmes: what it is and how clinics abroad price it

Therapeutic fasting is a period of very low or no food intake under medical supervision, usually during a stay at a clinic. Clinics sell it as a package of a set number of days, often under named methods such as Buchinger or F.X. Mayr. This page covers only medical providers, meaning a named physician at a licensed facility; retreats, spas and hotel wellness packages are not compared.

What does it involve?

• Medical intake — a physician takes a history, checks medicines and orders tests before the fast starts.
• Supervised fast — food intake is reduced or stopped for a set number of days. Depending on the method, clinics give juices, broths or a restricted diet, with daily medical checks.
• Diet-based programs (for example F.X. Mayr) — a restricted diet rather than a full fast, with set eating rules.
• Refeeding — food is reintroduced step by step at the end of the fast, before discharge.
• Supporting activities — walks, exercise classes or physical therapy, depending on the clinic.

The number of days depends on the clinic's program. This page does not state typical durations.

How do clinics price it?

• Package of N days — the usual unit. One price covers a stated number of nights or days.

A package usually includes accommodation, the fasting or diet plan, physician visits and some group activities. Items that are often charged extra include:

• blood tests and other tests at intake or during the stay;
• individual treatments such as massage or physical therapy;
• a single room, a better room category or a companion's stay;
• extra physician consultations;
• transfers and travel.

Prices are only comparable within the same unit and for the same number of days. A package with a full fast and one with a restricted diet are different products.

What should I ask the clinic before paying?

• What exactly is included per day: physician visits, tests, treatments, which drinks or food?
• Who supervises the fast, and what is their medical qualification and license?
• Is the facility licensed as a medical provider? See how to check a doctor.
• How does the clinic handle your current medicines during the fast?
• What happens if you need to stop early or become unwell? Is any part refunded?
• What written guidance do you get for eating after you return home?
• How long is the quoted price valid, in writing?

What this page does not tell you

This page reports what clinics publish about price and terms. It does not tell you whether fasting suits you or works for any condition; those decisions belong with your own doctor. On the evidence, the US National Institute on Aging states that more research is needed to know whether intermittent fasting yields benefits or is even feasible for people over the long term. Another NIA research summary notes that calorie restriction may not be a practical or safe long-term dietary pattern. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health gives general questions to ask before starting any complementary health approach. For other stays built around a medical spa, see spa cures and balneotherapy.