Fasting

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Pharmacy guide

You and your team may be asked about fasting and its effects on medicine use or health.

This guide helps you to better understand the practice and support people who fast.

^{First Published: 9 February 2022

Updated: January 2025}

Sections on this page

Why do people fast?
How long do people fast for?
Effects of fasting on the body
Benefits and risks of fasting
Who should not fast?
Practical tips to support people who fast
- Workplace considerations
- General considerations
Advice for people who fast
- Diet advice
- Exercise advice
- Smoking cessation advice
- Medicine use
Further information

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