{"id":1278,"date":"2015-03-25T08:05:21","date_gmt":"2015-03-25T08:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/biomedpharmajournal.org\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2017-01-10T07:40:43","modified_gmt":"2017-01-10T07:40:43","slug":"effect-of-ramadan-fasting-on-body-weight-and-lipid-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biomedpharmajournal.org\/staging\/vol3no1\/effect-of-ramadan-fasting-on-body-weight-and-lipid-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Lipid Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ramadan fast affects the human body in diverse ways.\u00a0 The effect on lipid profile with variation in body weight is particularly observed in this study.\u00a0 Apart from the religious and spiritual consideration, it is often subject of discussion whether or not Ramadan fasting confers any beneficial effect on the body.\u00a0 High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disorders, peripheral vascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, stroke, and many other diseases.\u00a0 As different studies exhibited variable results considering weight & lipid profile, this study was undertaken to find out the effect of Ramadan fast on these parameters in adult males of Marathwada region.<\/p>\n

Aims and\u00a0Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on some physiological and biochemical parameters, which included the following aims:<\/p>\n

To determine the difference in weight in pre- & post-Ramadan subjects.<\/p>\n

To determine the lipid profile levels (TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, & TG) in pre- & post-Ramadan subjects.<\/p>\n

Materials and\u00a0Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n

Clinical material:\u00a0 The present work on,\u00a0 \u201cEffect of Ramadan fasting on body weight and lipid profile\u201d, was done in the Department of Physiology, in association with Medical Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.\u00a0 The study comprised of 30 adult male subjects of age group 25-35 years, belonging to middle-class families.\u00a0 The study was carried out in the month of Ramadan (Oct-Nov).<\/p>\n

Table 1: Mean values \u00b1 SD of weight in pre- & post-Ramadan fasting subjects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subjects<\/strong><\/td>\nMean \u00b1 SD (kgs)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pre-Ramadan<\/td>\n61.90 \u00b1 11.39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Post-Ramadan<\/td>\n60.56 \u00b1 10.74*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* p < 0.001 (highly significant when pre-Ramadan subjects were compared to post-Ramadan subjects)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inclusion criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n

Male subjects, which were fasting on an average 12 hrs a day for the whole month of Ramadan (30 days).<\/p>\n

Exclusion criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n

Females and patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis or hypercholesterolemia.<\/p>\n

Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n

Biochemical parameters, which included serum TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, & TG, were estimated via biochromic analyzer using appropriate wavelength filters. The physiological parameter included weight (recorded by usual weighing machine in kilograms), which was estimated one day prior to beginning of the month of Ramadan (pre-fasting) and one day after the month of Ramadan (post-fasting).\u00a0 The 12 hr fasting samples of pre- & post-fasting subjects were collected.\u00a0 For invitro quantitative determination of activity of lipid fractions in serum following kit methods were implemented.\u00a0 The data were statistically analyzed using paired \u2018t-test\u2019.\u00a0 The methods employed are shown in table 3.<\/p>\n

Table 2:\u00a0 Mean values \u00b1 SD of lipid profile in pre- & post-Ramadan subjects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Biochemical<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parameter<\/strong><\/td>\n

Mean \u00b1 SD (Pre-Ramadan \u2013 mg %)<\/strong><\/td>\nMean \u00b1 SD (Post-Ramadan \u2013 mg %)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC<\/td>\n194.76 \u00b1 28.01<\/td>\n181.80 \u00b1 31.29*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HDL-c<\/td>\n50.63 \u00b1 2.35<\/td>\n59.80 \u00b1 3.47*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LDL-c<\/td>\n125.90 \u00b1 25.59<\/td>\n111.33 \u00b1 23.91**<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VLDL-c<\/td>\n17.80 \u00b1 3.48<\/td>\n16.4 \u00b1 3.17*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TG<\/td>\n89.00 \u00b1 17.43<\/td>\n82.00 \u00b1 15.89*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* p <0.001 (highly significant); ** p < 0.01 (significant); [when pre-Ramadan subjects were compared with post-Ramadan subjects].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Table 3:\u00a0 Methods employed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Lipid Parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nMethod<\/strong><\/td>\nWavelength<\/strong><\/p>\n

(nms)<\/strong><\/td>\n

Formula<\/strong><\/td>\nNormal Value (mgs\/dL)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC<\/td>\nModified Roeschlau\u2019s method<\/td>\n505 (green)<\/td>\nA (T)<\/u> * 200<\/sub><\/p>\n

A (S)<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

140 \u2013 250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HDL-c<\/td>\nPTA Precipitation<\/p>\n[Burstein etal]<\/td>\n505 (green)<\/td>\nA (T)<\/u> * 75 <\/sub><\/p>\n

A (S)<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

30 \u2013 70<\/p>\n[Males =<\/p>\n

30 \u2013 65]\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

TG<\/td>\nWako and modification by McGowen and Fossati, etal<\/td>\n510<\/td>\nA (T)<\/u> * 200<\/sub><\/p>\n

A (S)<\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n

65 \u2013 160<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LDL-c<\/td>\nFriedewald\u2019s Formula<\/td>\n—<\/td>\nTC \u2013 HDL-c \u2013 TG\/5 (mg %)<\/td>\nUpto 110<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VLDL-c<\/td>\n—<\/td>\n—<\/td>\nTG\/5<\/td>\n< 40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Results and\u00a0Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n

The mean \u00b1 SD weight of the subjects before & after Ramadan fasting was found to be decreased from 61.90 \u00b1 11.39 to 60.56 \u00b1 10.74 respectively, which was found to be statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) (table 1).\u00a0 Similar results were found by Hussein R, etal (1987), Nomani M.Z. (1988), & Kraemer F.B., etal (1994).2,12, 5<\/sup>\u00a0 They found an approximately 50 % decrease in the adipose cell size after two days of fasting.\u00a0 Reduction of weight may be because even though the tissues preferentially use carbohydrate for energy, the quantity of carbohydrate normally stored in the entire body is only a few hundred grams (mainly glycogen in liver & muscles) & it can supply the energy required for body function for perhaps half a day.\u00a0 During fasting insulin levels are decreased whereas glucagons, adrenalins, corticosteroids, & growth hormones are increased.\u00a0 These changes lead to increased activity of hormone-sensitive lipase & hence lipolysis in increased.\u00a0 Increased free fatty acids that are released act as energy substrate.5<\/sup>\u00a0 The fat depots are depleted progressively during the whole month leading to reduction in the body weight.\u00a0 Body weight 20 % above desirable increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, & cardiovascular diseases whereas body weight 40-50 % above the desirable level increases risk of death.\u00a0 The accumulation of fat in abdominal & particularly visceral depots confers especially high risk.8<\/sup><\/p>\n

Considering above factors reduction in weight is beneficial to health in most of the cases.<\/p>\n

The mean \u00b1 SD serum TC before fasting was 194.76 \u00b1 28.01 & after fasting was decreased to 181.80 \u00b1 31.29 (table 2) which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001).\u00a0 The results were in accordance with studies by Siddiqui IP, etal (1992) & J el Ati, etal (1995).11, 6<\/sup><\/p>\n

Highly significant increase in serum HDL-c levels were noted (mean \u00b1 SD = 50.63 \u00b1 2.35 & 59.80 \u00b1 3.47) in the present study.\u00a0 The increase was in consistent with study by M. Maislos, etal (1993) & Dowod THAM (2004).7, 24<\/sup><\/p>\n

Obesity, inactivity, & smoking are associated with diminished HDL-c levels.\u00a0 During Ramadan the weight was reduced, physical activity in the form of prayer is increased & smoking is prohibited in fasting hours.\u00a0 These factors might be responsible for increase in HDL-c levels.\u00a0 HDL-c removes cholesterol particles from tissues.\u00a0 Since excessive cholesterol accumulation is associated with CAD, there removal is beneficial, therefore HDL-c have a cardio-protective effect.3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Significant decrease (p < 0.01) in serum LDL-c levels was noted (mean \u00b1 SD = 125.90 \u00b1 25.59 & 111.33 \u00b1 23.91) in the present study.\u00a0 Similar findings were noted in studies conducted by S. A. Nagra, etal (1998), Nomani M.Z.A.\u00a0 (1990), & Dowod THAM (2004).10, 9, 4<\/sup>\u00a0 The significant reduction occurs in LDL-c despite the fact that tendency to consume fried food was increased during Ramadan.\u00a0 Consumption of fried food indicates higher intake of fat as compared to non-Ramadan days.\u00a0 When energy is limited, increase dietary fat level favors reduced breakdown of body proteins, including labile proteins.<\/p>\n

Highly significant reduction (p < 0.001) in serum VLDL-c & TG levels was noted (mean \u00b1 SD = 17.80 \u00b1 3.48 & 16.4 \u00b1 3.17;\u00a0 89.00 \u00b1 17.43 & 82.00 \u00b1 15.89) in the present study.\u00a0 Similar findings were noted in study conducted by Angel J. F., etal (1975).1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Finally in Ramadan decrease was observed in weight, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, & TG whereas HDL-c was increased.\u00a0 Following may be the causes for these changes:<\/p>\n

There is a control on frequent & excessive eating with more intake of fruits.<\/p>\n

There are changes in behavior and addiction eg, prohibition of smoking & alcohol intake.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaraweeh\u201d, the special prayer in Ramadan is performed after 8:00 pm for approximately one hour. Hence there is more physical exercise in this prayer, which causes tranquility & stress relaxation to the person performing it.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Weight loss was observed in post-fasting Ramadan male subjects of Marathwada region, as compared to pre-fasting ones, with all other parameters decreased which included serum TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, & TG.\u00a0 Serum HDL-c level was found to be increased in post-fasting male subjects.\u00a0 Thus it can be concluded that Ramadan fasting is beneficial to health as it leads to decrease in total cholesterol level, which is considered to be a significant risk factor for coronary artery diseases, strokes, etc.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Angel J.F., Shwartz N.E. Metabolic changes resulting from decreased meal frequency in adult male Muslims during Ramadan fasting.\u00a0 Nutr Report Intern<\/em>, 11:29-38 (1975).<\/li>\n
  2. J. Kudchodkar, H. S. Sodhi, D. T. Mason, and N. O. Borhani. Effects of acute caloric restriction on cholesterol metabolism in man.\u00a0 Am J Clin Nutr, <\/em>30:1135-1146 (1977).<\/li>\n
  3. Dinesh Puri, Textbook of Biochemistry,<\/em>1st<\/sup> B.I. Churchill Livingstone, 348 (2002).<\/li>\n
  4. Dowod T.H.A.M. Effects of Ramadan fasting on blood lipids and sugar.\u00a0 Pak J Med Sci, <\/em>20(4):308-10 (2004).<\/li>\n
  5. Hussain R., Duncan M.T. Chang S.L.\u00a0 Effects of fasting in Ramadan on tropical Asiatic Muslims.\u00a0 British J of Nutr, 58<\/em>:4-8 (1987).<\/li>\n
  6. el Ati, Beji C., Danguir J. Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women:\u00a0 as adaptive mechanism for body-weight maintenance.\u00a0 Am J Clin Nutr, <\/em>62:3-307 (1995).<\/li>\n
  7. Maislos M., N. Khamaysi, A. Assali, Y. Abou-Rabiah, I. Zvili, S. Shany. Marked increases in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after prolonged fasting during Ramadan.\u00a0 Am J Clin Nutr, <\/em>57:640-2 (1993).<\/li>\n
  8. Mathew N. Levy, Bruce A., Stanton Bruce M., Koeppen, Principles of Physiology Berne & Levy, <\/em>4th<\/sup> Elsevier Mosby, 614.<\/li>\n
  9. Nomani M.Z.A., Hallak M.H., Siddiqui I.P. Effect of Ramadan fasting plasma uric acid and body weight in healthy men.\u00a0 Journal of the American Dietetic Association, <\/em>90:1435-6 (1990).<\/li>\n
  10. A. Nagra, Z. U. Rehman, M. Javeria, Afshan J. Quadri. Study of some biochemical parameters in young women as effected by Ramadan fasting.\u00a0 Int J of Ramadan Fasting Research, <\/em>2(1):1-5 (1998).<\/li>\n
  11. Siddiqui I.P., Baloch S.K., Nomani M.Z.A. Changes in serum cholesterol level and dietary vegetable fat at restricted energy intake condition during Ramadan fasting.\u00a0 Int J of Science and Technology, <\/em>4:30-36 (1992).<\/li>\n
  12. Streja D. A., etal. Changes in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration after weight reduction in grossly obese subjects.\u00a0 British Medical Journal, <\/em>281:770-2 (1980).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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