The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition

Context: Ramadan is the month of fasting in Islam. Fasting is a religious duty for all healthy adult Muslims. During this month, strong persons abstain from different kinds of food and beverage, from sunrise until sunset. They usually eat a larger (300-700 kcal) meal after sunset and a lighter meal (200-500 kcal) before sunrise. Fasting lowers body weight, body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). It can elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Al-Hourani HM studies showed that body weight and BMI decreased significantly during fasting. Body weight reduction has been reported quite frequently, whereas, the relationship between weight reduction and loss of body fat has not been studied. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of fasting on several anthropometric parameters on human body, supported by the evidence-based scientific manuscripts. Evidence Acquisition: Conducting any survey in any scientific field has its own limitations. Carrying out a study in holy Ramadan, with its special circumstances, like altering daily nutritional patterns, fasting hours, less number of daily meals and declining physical activities imposes limitations on any research in this field. Results: The basic information regarding changes in dietary intake and body composition are as follows: the majority of Muslims typically consume two meals per day during this month, including one just before dawn and another one after sunset. However, most studies demonstrated that fasting, in people without health problems, causes dramatic changes in body composition. Conclusions: It can be concluded that fasting has various impacts on different individuals. These variations are highly dependent on daily nutritional habits and the season that Ramadan occurs in.