While observing Ramadan this year I came across a very interesting post that I wish to share with you folks today. This was a study done in Peshawar, Pakistan on students that may have had a smaller sample size but had some comparison to similar studies in Saudi Arabia that showed whether people had success in loosing weight and what factors took the center role in case weight was not lost.

As we know, many studies have now come forth that show the benefit of intermittent fasting, time managed eating and so on. These studies have clearly demonstrated the reduction of inflammatory markers in the body while it is in a state of fasting. Muslims observe Ramadan during the holy month and is obligatory part of the religion. It is a fundamental pillar of Islam, one that is done only for the sake of the Lord and is the ultimate sacrifice for his pleasure. The sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) also indicates fasting on Mondays and Thursdays of the week. Lets also not forget the 6 days of fasting in the month of Shawwal. So, it is well established that fasting is a integral part of Islam and is loved by our Lord.
The health benefits are immense, among which will include weight loss one would assume. But a study done in 2022, showed some interesting findings among people as in the failure to attain weight loss at the end of Ramadan. Lets look at a deeper review of this study and compare it to a similar study done in Saudi Arabia:
According to the study, it found a slight weight gain in the second week of Ramadan with weight loss of at least 1 kg at the end of Ramadan in the sample size of medical students observed in Pakistan. Compared to the one study done in Saudi Arabia, weight gain was observed unfortunately during Ramadan with another showing similar weight loss. Sadly, all the weight lost was then regained in both studies following the 2 to 3 weeks of Ramadan. A review of several studies showed at least an average weight loss of 1.3 kg during the month of Ramadan. Some studies also showed the weight loss more significant in men than women. Perhaps hormonal factors and having a break with menstruation maybe a part of this weight fluctuation.
What to conclude from these studies? The majority of the studies done, concluded a weight loss of at least 1.3kg after the month of Ramadan. That does indicate that both Ramadan fasting and intermittent fasting works. Perhaps, the point to ponder is that these patterns of fasting to be continued past the month of Ramadan for the continued benefit of weight loss, reduction in inflammation and many studies also showing decrease in tumor growth factors. Perhaps following the way of the Sunnah with weekly fasting or time restricted eating at a tolerable level to be continued.
This is one of the many reasons I stress working with an obesity specialist to help you sustain and understand weight loss. Please continue to learn and read the many articles I have posted on how the human body works when it comes to gaining weight, so you can make informed decisions on your weight.
References:
Majid A, Osama M, Noman M, Nisa U, Haider I. Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Public Sector Undergraduate Medical Students of Peshawar. Pak J Med Sci. 2023 May-Jun;39(3):662-666. doi: 10.12669/pjms.39.3.7017. PMID: 37250536; PMCID: PMC10214806.
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