Islamic fasting and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Public Health Nutrition

Mohammad J Zahedi¹  Ali A Haghdoost¹  Shahrzad Motaghipisheh¹  Behnam Sadeghirad¹  Fariba Kolahdooz¹ 

关键词: Body weight;    Ramadan fasting;    Energy intake;    Weight loss;    Systematic review;   

DOI  :  10.1017/S1368980012005046

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

AbstractObjectiveStudies on the effects of Ramadan fasting on weight changes have been contradictory. We brought together all published data to comprehensively examine the effects in a systematic review and meta-analysis.DesignRelevant studies were obtained through searches of PubMed and CINAHL and by independent screening of reference lists and citations without any time restriction. All searches were completed between October and November 2011.SettingChanges in body weight during and after Ramadan were extracted from thirty-five English-language studies and were meta-analysed. Most of the studies were conducted in West Asia (n 19); the remainder were conducted in Africa (n 7), East Asia (n 3) and North America/Europe (n 4).SubjectsHealthy adults.ResultsFasting during Ramadan resulted in significant weight loss (−1·24 kg; 95 % CI −1·60, −0·88 kg). However, most of the weight lost was regained within a few weeks and only a slight decrease in body weight was observed in the following weeks after Ramadan compared with that at the beginning of Ramadan. Weight loss at the end of Ramadan was significant in both genders (−1·51 kg for men and −0·92 kg for women); but again the weight loss lasted no longer than 2 weeks after Ramadan. Weight loss during Ramadan was greater among Asian populations compared with Africans and Europeans.ConclusionsWeight changes during Ramadan were relatively small and mostly reversed after Ramadan, gradually returning to pre-Ramadan status. Ramadan provides an opportunity to lose weight, but structured and consistent lifestyle modifications are necessary to achieve lasting weight loss.

【 授权许可】

Unknown