Multidimensional evaluation of the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the health of female students at the University of Bahrain

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on different dimensions, namely calorie intake, fullness and hunger sensations, mental health, body weight, waist circumference (WC), quality of sleep, body composition, hydration and nutritional status among female students at the University of Bahrain. A prospective single cohort study was conducted on 20 female students. The measurements were taken before Ramadan as well as the end of each week of Ramadan. From baseline to the end of Ramadan, there was a significant decrease in body weight (À0.779 kg, CI95% À1.287, À0.271), fat mass (FM) (À1.735 kg, CI95% À2.349, À1.122) and WC (À2.158 cm, CI95% À3.902, À0.414). In addition, the HydragramV R showed an increase at week 4 (0.288% CI95% 0.72, 0.504) and nutritional status with NutrigramV R increased during the time (P trend <0.001). No changes were detected for anxiety status, hunger and fullness sensations and quality of sleep. The decrease in weight positively affected the loss of FM (r ¼ 0.597), and the increase in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index affected the reduction of FM (r¼ À0.460). The P trend <0.01 for visual analogue scales and WC showed a clear effect of time on these outcomes. The findings of this study suggest potential benefits of RIF on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Religious fasting and its impacts on individual, public, and planetary health: Fasting as a “religious health asset” for a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable society

“…The authors found no significant effect of Ramadan fasting on sleep quality in healthy individuals. A similar result was observed in female healthy students from Bahrain ( 62 ). Alzhrani et al ( 140 ) reported that sleep duration remained unchanged from before to during Ramadan in 115 adults (96 females and 19 males) form Saudi Arabia.…”

“…Hasan et al ( 61 ) found that Ramadan fasting decreased BMI and waist circumference in 55 overweight and obese participants (22 females and 33 males). Alsowaid et al ( 62 ) enrolled only female individuals ( n = 20) who were healthy students at the University of Bahrain. The authors found that Ramadan fasting decreased body mass, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference ( 62 ).…”

“…Alsowaid et al ( 62 ) enrolled only female individuals ( n = 20) who were healthy students at the University of Bahrain. The authors found that Ramadan fasting decreased body mass, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference ( 62 ). The decrease in body mass, BMI, and waist circumference could be attributed to the increased utilization of stored body fat as an energy substrate and/or the decreased energy intake as a result of fasting ( 63 ).…”