Document Type : Original Article
Author
Abstract
Background: Ramadan fasting is a unique form of intermittent fasting characterized by abstinence from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Its effects on anthropometric parameters and metabolic health remain an active area of research.
Objective: To evaluate the short-term effects of Ramadan fasting on body weight and lipid profile in apparently healthy Iraqi adults.
Methods: A total of 58 volunteers (30 men and 28 women; mean age 40 ± 9 years) were enrolled in a pre–post observational study conducted in Basra, Iraq, during Ramadan 2025. Anthropometric measurements and fasting venous blood samples were collected 1–3 days before Ramadan and during the last 5 days of fasting. Lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and VLDL-C) were measured using standardized enzymatic kits and spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests.
Results: Ramadan fasting was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol (210.9 ± 69.9 vs. 183.5 ± 62.7 mg/dL, p < 0.01), LDL-C (120.2 ± 68.2 vs. 94.9 ± 60.5 mg/dL, p < 0.01), triglycerides (153.6 ± 87.9 vs. 117.1 ± 60.1 mg/dL, p < 0.01), and VLDL-C (30.7 ± 17.6 vs. 23.5 ± 12.1 mg/dL, p < 0.01). HDL-C showed a non-significant change (65.9 ± 15.5 vs. 66.2 ± 15.5 mg/dL, p = 0.87). The TG/HDL ratio shows a significant reduction (2.97 ± 2.540 vs. 1.88 ± 1.244 , p < 0.01) ..Participants experienced modest, non-significant weight reduction (−0.74 ± 2.1 kg, p = 0.082).
Conclusion: Ramadan fasting led to favorable improvements in lipid profile and minor weight reduction among Iraqi adults. While these findings suggest potential cardiovascular benefits, further controlled studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are warranted
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