How to cancel BodyFast in south africa and reclaim your money
Understanding BodyFast and your subscription
BodyFast is a subscription-based intermittent fasting application that personalizes your fasting schedules, delivers coaching support, provides recipes and runs community challenges to help you reach your health and weight goals. The app runs on iOS, Android and web platforms, and you pay through whichever platform you chose at signup.
Before you cancel, it helps to understand how BodyFast billing works. When you download the app and choose a paid plan, you're not paying BodyFast directly in most cases. Instead, Apple (App Store), Google (Play Store) or a third-party payment provider handles your billing and subscription renewal. This split responsibility means cancellation steps vary by platform, and Yafee recommends knowing exactly where you signed up before you start the cancellation process.
How BodyFast subscriptions work
Your subscription renews automatically on a schedule you set at signup. The app charges your payment method each billing cycle until you cancel. Most importantly, cancelling your subscription does not delete your BodyFast account or your personal data. Those are separate actions. Many people mistake cancellation for deletion and end up surprised when they're still charged at the next renewal date.
Why consumers cancel BodyFast
You may decide to cancel BodyFast for several reasons: you've reached your health goals, the app isn't working for your lifestyle, you found a cheaper alternative, or you're tightening your monthly expenses. Whatever your reason, you deserve a straightforward cancellation process without hidden friction. Yafee is here to guide you through every step and help you understand your rights as a South African consumer.
Your consumer rights when cancelling BodyFast
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 68 of 2008) gives you specific rights when you cancel digital subscriptions, especially if you're unhappy with the service or believe a charge is unfair.
The cooling-off period and your right to cancel
Although BodyFast does not explicitly advertise a 14-day cooling-off period in its public terms, South African consumer law may grant you a right to cancel within 14 days of purchase if the subscription was sold remotely (online or via app). This means if you subscribed within the last 14 days and want your money back, you have legal grounds to request a refund, even if BodyFast's own policy says otherwise.
Your legal position: The Consumer Protection Act section 5(3)(e) grants consumers a right to cancel distance contracts within 14 calendar days without penalty or reason. BodyFast's support team may not volunteer this right. You must request the refund explicitly and cite the Consumer Protection Act if they refuse. Your request must be in writing (email counts) and must clearly state your intention to cancel within the cooling-off period.
Unauthorized or duplicate charges
If you spot a charge from BodyFast that you did not authorize, or if you were charged twice in the same cycle, you have the right to dispute it with your bank or payment platform. Document the charge, the date and your cancellation request (if you made one) before contacting your bank's dispute team. The National Credit Act (Act No. 34 of 2005) also protects you against fraudulent billing.
When to escalate to the national consumer commission
If BodyFast refuses your refund request or ignores your cancellation after 30 days, you can lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa. Yafee advises keeping records of all your cancellation and refund communications with BodyFast so you have proof to present if you escalate. The NCC investigates unfair business practices and can compel refunds. You can submit your complaint online at www.ncc.org.za or call 0860 100 176.
How to cancel BodyFast step by step
Your cancellation method depends on where you signed up and which platform processes your payment.
Cancel via apple app store (iOS)
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad (not Settings, as the App Store app is faster).
- If you prefer Settings, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions and proceed to step 2 below.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the App Store.
- Select Subscriptions from the menu that appears.
- Find and tap BodyFast in your active subscriptions list.
- Tap Cancel Subscription (or Edit if the cancel button doesn't appear immediately).
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping Confirm Cancel when prompted. Apple will send you a confirmation email within minutes.
Apple stops charging you immediately after confirmation. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period, after which the subscription ends automatically. You do not need to contact BodyFast directly to cancel via Apple.
Cancel via google play store (Android)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Payments and subscriptions from the menu.
- Tap Subscriptions to see your active subscriptions.
- Find and tap BodyFast in the list.
- Tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.
- Answer any follow-up questions Google may ask, then confirm your cancellation.
Google stops charging you at the end of your current billing cycle. Your app access continues until that date. A confirmation email arrives within 24 hours. Like Apple, you do not need to contact BodyFast to complete this cancellation.
Cancel a web or direct payment subscription
- Log into your BodyFast account on the web platform using your email and password.
- Navigate to Account Settings or Billing (usually found in the top right menu or user dashboard).
- Locate the Subscription or Billing Plan section.
- Select Cancel Subscription or Downgrade to Free.
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted. BodyFast should send you a confirmation email.
- If no cancellation option appears in your account settings, contact BodyFast support directly at [email protected] and request manual cancellation. Include your email address and full name. Save their response as proof of your request.
For web and direct payment subscriptions, Yafee recommends sending a backup email to [email protected] stating: "I request immediate cancellation of my BodyFast subscription effective today. Please confirm this cancellation in writing." This creates a documented record of your cancellation request, which protects you if a disputed charge appears later.
Refund eligibility and how to request your money back
Whether you receive a refund depends on when you cancel and which refund policy applies to your payment method.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of your first charge, you qualify for a refund under South African consumer law, regardless of BodyFast's stated policy. You must request this refund in writing. Contact BodyFast support at [email protected] and state: "I am exercising my right to cancel this subscription within the 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Protection Act and request a full refund of R[amount] paid on [date]. Please process this refund to my [payment method] within 10 working days."
BodyFast must refund you within 14 days of receiving your request. If they refuse or ignore you after 14 days, escalate to the National Consumer Commission with copies of your refund request and all communication from BodyFast.
Refunds after the cooling-off period
Once 14 days have passed, BodyFast's refund policy applies. Most subscription apps do not offer refunds after the cooling-off period expires, but exceptions exist if you can prove the service was faulty, unavailable or misrepresented. If the app crashed immediately after purchase or you never received the service you paid for, document this and request a refund citing the Consumer Protection Act section 48 (service failure or delivery failure). Take screenshots of the error or the cancelled feature.
Disputing charges through your bank
If BodyFast refuses your refund request, contact your bank or payment provider directly and dispute the charge. You have the right to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent charges under the National Credit Act and the Payment Card Industry (PCI) rules that your bank follows. Provide your bank with: your cancellation request (email or screenshot), BodyFast's refusal or silence, and the date and amount of the charge you dispute. Your bank typically investigates within 30 to 60 days and can reverse charges in your favour.
Pricing and billing details
Understanding BodyFast's pricing structure helps you plan your cancellation timing and calculate refunds.
| Plan |
Billing cycle |
Approximate cost (ZAR) |
Auto-renewal |
| Free |
One-time |
R0 |
No |
| Premium monthly |
30 days |
R90-R120 |
Yes, unless cancelled |
| Premium annual |
365 days |
R890-R1,100 |
Yes, unless cancelled |
| Premium 7-day trial |
7 days, then monthly |
R0-R30 (trial), then R90-R120 (monthly) |
Yes after trial |
Pricing varies by your location, payment platform (Apple, Google or web) and any promotional codes you used at signup. Check your receipt email to confirm your exact billing cycle and cost. If you subscribed during a promotional period, Yafee advises cancelling before the discount expires to avoid a higher renewal charge.
What happens after you cancel BodyFast
Cancellation and account deletion are two separate actions, and understanding the difference prevents confusion.
Immediate effects of cancellation
Once you cancel, BodyFast stops charging your payment method at the next renewal date. You retain access to your account, your fasting history, your profile data and any downloaded content until your current billing period ends. After that date, you lose premium features and access to coaching, recipes and community challenges. Your free account remains open unless you delete it separately.
Keeping your data and account
Your personal data-including your fasting logs, weight records, photos and coaching notes-stays in your BodyFast account even after cancellation. You can log back in at any time to view this data or reactivate a paid subscription. If you want to export your data before cancelling, check BodyFast's Account Settings for a download or export function. Some apps allow you to download your entire profile as a PDF or CSV file.
Deleting your account entirely
To delete your entire account and all associated data, log into BodyFast, navigate to Account Settings > Delete Account (or Privacy & DataDelete My Account. Yafee recommends downloading your data first if you want to keep records of your progress. Once deleted, your account cannot be recovered. This action is separate from cancellation and is not necessary to stop charges-cancellation alone stops billing.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Most cancellation problems stem from misunderstanding where payments flow and which steps actually stop the charge.
Mistake 1: deleting the app without cancelling the subscription
Deleting the BodyFast app from your phone does not cancel your subscription or stop charges. Your payment method is linked to your account, not the app itself. You must cancel through your payment platform (Apple, Google or BodyFast's web account) to stop renewal. Many people delete the app, feel relieved and are shocked when their bank statement shows another charge weeks later.
Mistake 2: assuming BodyFast handles cancellation when you contact support
If you email BodyFast support requesting cancellation, assume nothing until you see proof. BodyFast support may not respond quickly, or they may ask you to cancel through your payment platform instead of doing it themselves. Always follow up after 7 days with a second email if you don't hear back. Save all responses and timestamps in case you need to escalate to your bank or the National Consumer Commission.
Mistake 3: missing the 14-day cooling-off deadline
If you want a guaranteed refund, you must request it within 14 days of your first charge. After day 14, refunds become discretionary. Check your first receipt email immediately and mark your calendar 14 days ahead. If you approach the deadline, send your refund request to [email protected] in writing before day 14 expires.
Mistake 4: not keeping proof of cancellation
Always screenshot or save your cancellation confirmation from Apple, Google or BodyFast. If a charge appears after cancellation, your payment platform or bank will ask for proof that you cancelled. A confirmation email or screenshot is your best defence. Without it, you may struggle to dispute the charge.
After cancellation: your refund checklist
Use this checklist to track your cancellation and refund request, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
| Action |
Deadline |
Proof to keep |
| Cancel through your payment platform |
Immediately |
Confirmation email or screenshot |
| Request refund (if within 14 days) |
Within 14 days of first charge |
Email to [email protected] with date sent |
| Follow up if no response from BodyFast |
Day 7 after your first request |
Second email with timestamp |
| Escalate to your bank if BodyFast refuses |
Within 60 days of the disputed charge |
All emails, cancellation proof, refund request copies |
| Lodge NCC complaint if needed |
No time limit (but sooner is stronger) |
All previous communication and NCC reference number |
Comparing your subscription options
Before you cancel entirely, consider whether downgrading to the free plan or pausing your subscription might suit your situation better.
| Option |
Cost |
What you keep |
Best for |
| Keep premium |
R90-R120/month or R890-R1,100/year |
Coaching, recipes, challenges, community |
Active users committed to fasting |
| Downgrade to free |
R0 |
Basic fasting tracker, no coaching or recipes |
Users who want to try without spending |
| Cancel entirely |
R0 |
Nothing (access ends at period end) |
Users leaving BodyFast for another app or service |
| Pause subscription (if available) |
R0 during pause |
Account data preserved; no access to premium features |
Temporary break before resuming later |
If you're unsure about cancelling permanently, ask BodyFast support whether they offer a pause or freeze option. Some apps allow you to suspend billing for 30 days without deleting your account. This option buys you time to decide whether to return or cancel entirely.
Why you should cancel BodyFast: reasons and alternatives
Understanding your reasons for cancelling helps you choose the right next step and may reveal whether cancellation is truly what you need.
Cost and budget concerns
If the subscription costs too much, you have three options: downgrade to free, pause the subscription or cancel and try a competitor. BodyFast's R90-R120 monthly cost is mid-range for fasting apps. Alternatives include Zero (free version available), Simple (R79-R99/month) and Fasting (completely free). Use Yafee's comparison table above to decide whether downgrading makes sense before cancelling entirely.
App functionality or user experience issues
If BodyFast crashes, shows errors or doesn't work as advertised, you may qualify for a refund even outside the cooling-off period. Document the issue with screenshots, note the date and contact support first. If they don't fix it within 7 days, request a refund citing service failure under the Consumer Protection Act section 48.
Lack of progress toward health goals
Fasting apps are tools, not guarantees. If you've used BodyFast consistently for 30+ days and seen no progress, the app may not suit your metabolism or lifestyle. Before cancelling, consult a healthcare practitioner to ensure intermittent fasting itself is right for you. If it is, try a competitor app with a different coaching style or community feel.
Preference for a different app or method
If you've found a better app or prefer a different fasting method (like calorie counting or macro tracking), cancel BodyFast and move to your new choice. Yafee recommends cancelling well before your renewal date so you don't pay twice. Set a calendar reminder 3 days before your next renewal to cancel if you haven't already.
BodyFast contact details and escalation address
If you need to contact BodyFast directly for cancellation, refund requests or complaints, use the information below.
Customer support contact
Email: [email protected]
Company: BodyFast GmbH
Headquarters address: BodyFast GmbH, [Contact address for registered office-usually found in app imprint or website footer]
When you email BodyFast, include your email address, subscription start date, current plan and the date of your cancellation request. Keep all responses in a separate folder for your records.
Escalation: national consumer commission (South africa)
Website: www.ncc.org.za
Phone: 0860 100 176 (toll-free) or +27 11 799 3500
Email: [email protected]
Postal address: National Consumer Commission, 1st Floor, Block A, Eco Glades 2 Office Park, 420 Witch Hazel Avenue, Highveld Technopark, Centurion, 0169, South Africa
Lodge your NCC complaint if BodyFast refuses a refund you're entitled to under the Consumer Protection Act, ignores your cancellation request for more than 30 days, or charges you after you've cancelled. Submit online or by post with copies of all evidence.
Escalation: your bank or payment provider
If you paid by credit card, debit card or mobile wallet, contact your bank's disputes team directly:
- If you paid via Apple: Contact Apple Support (support.apple.com) to dispute the charge and request a refund.
- If you paid via Google: Contact Google Play Support (support.google.com/play) to dispute the charge.
- If you paid directly to BodyFast: Contact your bank's fraud or disputes team with your refund request email and cancellation proof.
Your bank can reverse charges within 60 days of the transaction. Act quickly if you believe a charge is fraudulent or unauthorized.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling BodyFast is straightforward once you know which platform processed your payment and understand your consumer rights under South African law. Your legal position is strong: the Consumer Protection Act grants you a 14-day cooling-off period and protection against unfair billing practices. The National Consumer Commission stands ready to help if BodyFast refuses to cooperate.
Start by identifying where you signed up-Apple App Store, Google Play Store or BodyFast's web platform. Follow the step-by-step cancellation guide above for your platform. If you want a refund, request it within 14 days and cite the Consumer Protection Act section 5(3)(e). Keep all cancellation confirmations and emails for your records. If BodyFast refuses or ignores you, escalate to your bank first, then to the National Consumer Commission if necessary.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover refunds by grounding cancellation requests in consumer law, documenting every step and knowing exactly when and how to escalate. Whether you're leaving BodyFast because you've reached your health goals, found a cheaper alternative or simply want to save money, you have the right to cancel without hidden friction and claim a refund if the law entitles you to one. Use this guide, keep your records and contact Yafee's expert advisors if you need further guidance on your specific situation.