Main content

Fasting

Why would someone voluntarily go without food - or even water? Charlotte McDonald speaks to those who have fasted to find out why they do it.

Humans need to eat to survive. So why would someone go voluntarily without food - or even water?

Many of the major religions observe periods of fasting for spiritual reasons. Charlotte McDonald speaks to those who have fasted to find out why they do it. Also, is there a place in modern society for fasting for non-religious reasons? She speaks to Michael Mosley about the science behind fasting and why some people are choosing it as a lifestyle choice.

(Image: Indian Muslims offer prayers prior to breaking their fast on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Available now

18 minutes

Last on

Mon 16 Sep 2013 08:32GMT
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online

More episodes

Previous

Memory

Next

Sad Music

See all episodes from The Why Factor

Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Sep 2013 18:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
  • Sat 14 Sep 2013 22:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
  • Sun 15 Sep 2013 11:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
  • Mon 16 Sep 2013 01:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
  • Mon 16 Sep 2013 08:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?

Podcast

  • The Why Factor

    The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions