Fasting

Ramadan 2022 will find many of the world's 1.9 billion Muslims observing Islam's most religious month. Newsweek presents an expert's guide to and personal opinions about this period.

The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet is all about tricking your body into thinking you're on a prolonged fast while you still get the nourishment you need.

In addition to fasting, prayer and reflection, Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Koran during Ramadan.

Greetings are usually shared when Ramadan is officially announced the night before starting the fast.

Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to sunset during the 30-day holy month of Ramadan.

DoFasting is a health and exercise app which allows you to choose a fasting method that best fits your lifestyle.

"I know it's a little bit unusual," he said. "This will be a spiritual diet and exercise that I as a Catholic Christian believe is very important anyway."

Ian Manning, a Liberal Democrat councillor in the U.K., tweeted a picture of his pre-dawn meal of bacon and boiled eggs.

Why do the dates for the holy month change every year?

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Catholics are still expected to fast and abstain from eating meat on Good Friday.

Coronavirus may be a "punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins," according to the proposed legislation.

Studies in animals and humans indicate fasting could improve cognitive performance, heart health, and symptoms of diabetes and obesity.

"Patterns of eating, and not just what you eat, may be important for achieving a healthy weight," a scientist explained.

Low-grade inflammation is the most important driver of unhealthy aging.

Patients who followed an intermittent fasting plan for several months no longer needed to use insulin.

The 16:8 fasting diet could also be easier to maintain than other fasting diets.

From fire-lit parades in Indonesia to crowded journeys home in Bangladesh.

When Eid al-Fitr takes place depends on the lunar cycle.

After the sun sets, Muslims participating in Ramadan will hold the traditional dinner of iftar.

The approach may be a long-ignored health savior but some researchers call for caution.

Fasting every other day could affect how the body releases insulin.

This Newsweek gallery looks at Muslims around the world as they prepare to mark the start of Ramadan or break their fast after sunset on the first evening. 

Many studies suggest that fasting can extend our lifespans and boost health—so why aren't health officials rushing to recommend these diets?

"The Prophet said, the people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast."

Both diets tout their fat burning abilities for optimal weight loss.

Lent is the time of year when Christians are meant to examine their sins and contemplate sacrifice.

The evangelist says he feels sorry for Trump because "so many people obviously hate him."

The approach makes sense from an evolutionary perspective, says one expert.

New study could be key to beating the inevitable weight loss plateau.

The rules have caused controversy in the West Bank, home to both Muslims and Christians.