Abstract

Background: Fasting is observed by Muslims during Ramzan. Here, they do not consume food and drinks. It is observed for 29–30 days. The fast begins early in the morning and lasts until evening. Aims and Objectives: This study tries to assess whether intermittent fasting (during Ramzan) can alter the insulin resistance and blood lipid levels in healthy individuals.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 healthy volunteers were subjected to anthropometric and biochemical assessment before the beginning of Ramzan and then at the end of fasting immediately after the month of Ramzan. Biochemical parameters were measured by standard laboratory methods, and statistical analysis was done by Student’s t-test.
Results: After the completion of Ramzan fasting, subjects experienced decrease in their body weight and body mass index. There was slight decrease in low-density lipoprotein and increase in high-density lipoprotein levels and not much significant changes in insulin resistance. Conclusion: Our study found that fasting during Ramzan produced reduction in body weight but no significant effect on fasting/postprandial glucose levels and blood lipid levels.