Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic  Profile in Healthy Adults of  Aurangabad, India

Dr. Ishrat Kareem; Dr. Shilpa Asegaonkar; Dr. Jayshree Bavikar; Dr. Avinash P; Dr. Sunita Aghade; Dr. Anand Thorat

Volume : II, Issue : XI, November - 2013

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic Profile in Healthy Adults of Aurangabad, India

Dr. Ishrat Kareem, Dr. Shilpa Asegaonkar, Dr. Jayshree Bavikar, Dr. Avinash P, Dr. Sunita Aghade, Dr. Anand Thorat

Abstract :

Introduction: Ramadan fasting, a radical lifestyle change for a period of one lunar month induces different metabolic effects. It provides unique fasting model of fast as intake of fluid also is restricted to more than 12 hours. Conflicting results due to variations in season, region wise diet pattern and physical activities have been reported. We analyzed metabolic changes in terms of lipid profile and blood glucose during Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals from single large joint family. Material and methods: 33 healthy adults with similar dietary pattern and physical activity with Ramadan fasting were enrolled in the present study. On pre– Ramadan day dietary history, anthropometric measurements were recorded and fasting blood samples assayed for blood glucose and serum lipid profile. On the last day of Ramadan we again collected data from all participants. Results: Significant reduction in body weight, BMI and waist circumference was observed among studied subjects due to Ramadan fasting. Blood glucose and serum total cholesterol levels were decreased to lower side of normal range. Serum triglycerides and low density lipoprotein decreased significantly in post Ramadan samples. Serum high density lipoprotein was raised significantly suggesting cardioprotective role of Ramadan fasting. Also serum triglycerides levels were reduced significantly in studied group. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting seems to have beneficial effects on anthropometric and metabolic profile in healthy individuals. There are no detrimental effects and hence can be implemented as a tool for therapeutic lifestyle change.