Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Serum Leptin Level: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the changes caused by Ramadan fasting on body weight and serum leptin level in normal, overweight and obese individuals. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from June to July 2014 among individuals who fasted throughout the month of Ramadan and had no known chronic disease. All individuals were categorized according to Body Mass Index (BMI) categories for Asians, i.e., normal weight (18.5-22.9 Kg/m2), overweight (23-24.9 Kg/m2) and obese (>25Kg/m2). Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were obtained at first day of Ramadan (Pre Ramadan) and during the last week of Ramadan (Post Ramadan). Leptin hormone was analyzed by Human ELISA kit. Paired t-test was used for comparison, p-values <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of total, 110 patients (55 males and 55 females), 30 (27.27%) individuals had normal BMI, 20 (18.18%) were overweight while 60 (54.54%) were obese. Ramadan fasting caused significant reduction in BMI (Kg/m2) of overweight (P=0.013) and obese (P=0.046) male individuals. Noticeable and significant reduction was also observed in BMI of obese females (P=0.036). A significant reduction in the mean serum leptin (ng/ml) level of overweight males (P=0.033), obese males (P=0.003) males, and obese females (P=0.041) was also observed at the end of Ramadan. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the fasting during Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for overweight and obese people to lose body weight. The BMI and serum leptin concentration of obese and overweight individuals of both genders of our study significantly decreased due to fasting.