Abstract
Objective This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of intermittent fasting of Ramadan on resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, and nutritional status. Methods The study was conducted on a total of 27 adults (16 females, 11 males) who were fasting (18 h) in the Ramadan month (May 6–June 3) of 2019. REE was measured using the indirect calorimeter. Dietary energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated by 3-day food records in baseline and post-Ramadan. Body composition and some metabolic parameters were analyzed simultaneously with REE measurements. All measurements were performed two times at baseline, and post-Ramadan. Results Body weight (−2.9% vs. −1.4%), body mass index (BMI) (−3.1% vs. −2.1%), fat-free mass (−2.7% vs. −1.4%), and hydration status were decreased in both males and females after the Ramadan fasting (p < 0.05). REEs (kcal/d) of the participants were 1708.1 ± 262.50 kcal/d and 1596.5 ± 302.27 kcal/d at baseline and post-Ramadan, respectively (6.5%) (p < 0.05). This decrease in REE (kcal/d) in females was greater than that in males (−8.1% vs. −4.6%). However, no statistically significant difference was found in sleep duration (h), physical activity levels, dietary energy and nutrient intakes, and blood pressures (mm Hg) of both genders compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Conclusion Intermittent circadian fasting may lead to a decreased energy expenditure and a change in fat-free mass in healthy individuals, and this effect is interpreted as gender-dependent.
Highlights
Intermittent fasting is an interventional strategy where participants are exposed to various fasting situations
Participants were selected among participants who were fasting and nonsmokers, did not consume alcohol and did not perform high levels of physical activity or were not athletes. ose with endocrine and metabolic disorders diagnosed by the physician, those with respiratory diseases such as asthma, those who had influenza, the flu, cold when resting energy expenditure (REE) measurement protocol was performed, and people on regular medications and/or nutritional supplements and not fasting were not included in the study
It can be concluded that intermittent fasting of Ramadan can lead to undesirable decrease in REE-Total energy expenditure (TEE), and alter body mass index (BMI) and body composition especially in fat-free mass, and hydration status, even if the participants are healthy. ese effects can be varied in different genders
Summary
Intermittent fasting is an interventional strategy where participants are exposed to various fasting situations. Its popularity increased when its effect on the potential improvement of metabolic abnormalities was determined experimentally [4]. It is reported that it may have potentially positive effects on obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancer types due to changes it causes in body weight and metabolic parameters. It can be performed in association with circadian rhythm, intestinal microbiota, and lifestyle habits that can be modified such as diet, physical activity, and sleep [5]. Losing weight is not typically targeted in the intermittent fasting type of Ramadan
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
