You’ve probably heard every sermon and podcast episode about why you should fast. And that’s good. Fasting is powerful. It’s a biblical, faith-charged weapon that produces results.

But in today’s post, I want to talk about something people almost never say from the pulpit: There are some people who should not fast—at least not in the traditional, food-based sense.

Now, that might sound strange coming from a pastor. But hear me: Fasting is not about starving yourself to impress God. It’s about consecration, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity. And while the discipline is powerful, God is wise. The Bible makes it clear: the Lord understands seasons, limitations, and personal capacity.

So here are five types of people who should approach fasting with caution, wisdom, or modification:

1. Pregnant or Nursing Women

If you’re pregnant or nursing, your body is doing something sacred: sustaining life. That’s not just important—it’s holy.

Fasting food during this season is not wise. Your body needs nourishment. So does the child God has placed in your care.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t participate. Abstain from non-essentials like entertainment, social media, or comfort foods that don’t affect your health. Remember: the goal isn’t suffering. The goal is seeking.

2. Young Children

Fasting is a spiritually mature discipline. And while kids can be trained in consecration, they are still developing physically and spiritually.

That said, you can include them in the process. Invite them to fast something meaningful—like TV, video games, desserts, or screen time. Let them feel the sacrifice, but don’t endanger their growth or energy.

More importantly, teach them why. Help them learn the heart behind fasting: “Sometimes we say no to ourselves so we can say yes to God.”

3. Those With Serious Medical Conditions

If you live with a chronic illness—diabetes, heart disease, or a history of eating disorders—you need to be extra careful.

God is not glorified by your suffering. He’s glorified by your obedience. Fasting should refine you, not harm you.

Try modified fasts: skip specific meals, cut non-essential foods, or eliminate flesh-pleasing activities. You can crucify the flesh without breaking your body.

Isaiah 58 reminds us that healing is one of the results of a proper fast. So don’t forget: wisdom and faith are not enemies. There’s no commanded time frame in the Bible. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

4. The Elderly

Let me be clear: elderly believers can fast—many do with great power. But wisdom is key.

In Numbers 8:24–26, God set a retirement age for the Levites. Not because he didn’t value them, but to honor their physical limitations. Leviticus 19:32 says to honor the gray head.

If you’re in your later years and still have strength to fast, go for it with fire! But if your body can’t handle an intense fast, you’re not failing. God isn’t asking you to prove something—he’s asking you to walk in wisdom.

Your prayers still shake heaven. Your hunger still matters. And daily prayer is always a must, even if food isn’t part of your fast.

5. Those on Medication

If you take medication that requires food—like insulin, blood pressure meds, or mood stabilizers—don’t ignore your doctor and call it “faith.”

Fasting is not supposed to jeopardize your health. You don’t honor God by hurting the temple he gave you.

Instead, abstain from entertainment, social media, or any fleshly comfort that keeps you spiritually dull. God sees the posture of your heart, not your plate.

Bottom line? Fasting is powerful. But it’s not a contest. It’s not about pain. It’s about pursuit.

So pursue God wisely. And if you want help getting started, download my Free Fasting Starter Kit and check out my full book, A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting.

I’ve laid out everything you need to fast biblically, safely, and powerfully.