Changes in anthropometric indices, life-style patterns, and psychological stress with ramadan intermittent fasting amongst wholesome college students: A potential cohort examine

Obesity is a power illness that’s growing worldwide, and now it’s thought-about a world epidemic [1]. It is outlined as an irregular accumulation of fats within the physique, which negatively impacts well being [2]. Traditionally, weight problems is assessed utilizing physique mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). However, various evaluation strategies scales such because the Conicity index (CI), Body adiposity index (BAI), Weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), and A physique form index (ABSI) provide a extra correct evaluation of visceral fats accumulation [3]. These parameters present higher predictions for the onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular threat. [4].

Major components of a wholesome life-style embody consuming a wholesome nutritious weight loss program, growing bodily exercise, sustaining regular physique weight, and satisfactory sleep hours. Modifying these components performs a basic function in selling bodily and psychological well-being and stopping power sicknesses [5]. There are numerous strategies for weight reduction, together with bodily exercise, particular diets, treatment, and hormonal therapies. Among these, intermittent fasting has gained consideration for its effectiveness in weight reduction [6]. Research research have proven that the load loss achieved by intermittent fasting results in numerous advantages and reduces the dangers of associated circumstances [7,8]. Fasting is taken into account a wholesome follow, with current research displaying a optimistic affiliation between numerous types of fasting, together with intermittent fasting and Ramadan fasting, and longevity [9]. Ramadan, the holy month throughout which Muslims quick day by day from daybreak to sundown [10]. It is a type of intermittent fasting that’s secure for all wholesome people. It can result in important modifications in physique weight and well being enchancment. Studies have additionally discovered intermittent fasting throughout Ramadan is related to reducing stress and anxiousness [6]. However, modifications in meal timing and life-style habits after Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) could have an effect on circadian rhythm. resulting in modifications in sleep and stress ranges [11].

Even although intermittent fasting is related to weight reduction, analysis on the affect of fasting after RIF on weight has produced conflicting outcomes [12]. Some research point out no change in weight and even weight acquire, whereas others recommend weight reduction [13]. For occasion, research amongst Pakistani people have proven that dietary habits, bodily exercise ranges, meals preferences, and sleep patterns throughout RIF differ considerably from these in different nations, doubtlessly resulting in weight acquire moderately than weight reduction [14,15]. Similar patterns have been noticed in Saudi Arabia [16]. Additionally, there’s a lack of research addressing the affiliation between RIF and anthropometric indices, psychological stress, and life-style habits. Therefore, we’re conducting this examine to comprehensively examine the consequences of RIF on indices of weight problems, life-style, and psychological stress, aiming to fill these essential gaps within the literature and supply clearer insights into these associations.

A complete of 150 (100 feminine and 50 male) participated on this examine. With 50.6% of the age vary of 19–24 years, many of the respondents had been single (76.1%), bachelor’s Students (79.5%), non-working (76%), with incomes lower than 352 US$ (37.5%), as proven in Table 1.

Table 2 offers anthropometric and weight problems indices earlier than and after RIF. The imply weight was 67.25 kg, earlier than RIF, which decreased to 63.63 ± 21.18 kg after RIF (p < 0.05). Also, A big lower within the BMI of contributors after RIF as in comparison with earlier than RIF (26.085 ± 5.07, 23.048 ± 5.15, p = 0.030, Cohen’s d = 0.59). The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) Ratio confirmed a big lower from 0.481 to 0.45 (p = 0.011, Cohen’s d = 0.29). Significantly decreased from 1.84 to 1.06 (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.72). NO important modifications had been noticed in CI, WWI, BAI, and ABSI (p > 0.05). BRI: The Body Roundness Index considerably decreased from 1.84 to 1.06 (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.72), indicating a big impact dimension. This highlights substantial modifications in physique form and fats distribution.

Other Indices (CI, WWI, BAI, ABSI): No important modifications had been noticed in CI, WWI, BAI, and ABSI (p > 0.05). The impact sizes for these indices had been small, suggesting that these measures are much less delicate to short-term modifications in physique composition throughout Ramadan fasting. After Ramadan, A big change was present in sleep hours earlier than and after Ramadan (8 ± 0.581, 6 ± 0.263, p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.42). Moreover, the variety of meals per day considerably decreased from 3 to 1 (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.58). Conversely, there was a big improve within the proportion of contributors with low stress (from 13% to 19%, p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.18). There was no important distinction within the sum of MetS earlier than and after the RIF (p = 0.0645, Cohen’s d = 0.35), as proven in Table 3.

The examine examined dietary consumption patterns earlier than and after RIF amongst contributors, as proven in Table 4. The consumption of greens elevated considerably after RIF as in comparison with earlier than RIF (p < 0.05). However, fruit consumption after RIF decreased. However, there have been no modifications in using synthetic sweeteners or caffeine consumption after RIF as in comparison with earlier than RIF (p > 0.05).

The affiliation between physique weight and fasting throughout Ramadan is well-documented. In the present examine, topics skilled a big weight discount, averaging 5 kg. Systematic opinions and meta-analyses help these findings, displaying imply weight losses of 1.51 kg for males and 0.92 kg for girls [28]. Another assessment highlights important weight reduction in males however not in females, suggesting gender-specific physiological responses to fasting [29]. Additionally, higher weight reduction was noticed in contributors with larger pre-Ramadan BMI, indicating that preliminary physique composition influences weight reduction outcomes [29].

The mechanism includes diminished caloric consumption, resulting in a damaging power steadiness, prompting the physique to make the most of saved fats for power. Hormonal modifications, akin to decreased insulin ranges and elevated glucagon, facilitate lipolysis and fats oxidation [30]. Dehydration might additionally contribute to weight reduction throughout fasting, because the physique loses water by sweating, respiration, and metabolic features [31], which is confirmed by our results of whole water ingesting p < 0.001). Post-Ramadan, weight regain is frequent resulting from elevated caloric consumption and diminished bodily exercise [32]. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing efficient weight administration methods throughout and after Ramadan.

The present anthropometric measurement outcomes are according to findings from Alzoughool et al. (2019) examine amongst wholesome college students after RIF [33]. Also, Khan et al. (2017) discovered that there was no important change within the anthropometric parameters of the thirty-five medical college students in Pakistan; these parameters embody BMI, WHtR, BAI, and VAI [15]. Controversially, there are an incredible variety of research that point out RIF could also be thought-about an efficient weight-loss approach. A current LORANS examine and meta-analysis by Al-Jafar et al. (2023) confirmed that there’s a important lower in all anthropometric parameters, together with weight, WC, BMI, HC, and WHR, along with fats mass and fat-free mass [34].

The change in WC was addressed partially on account of diminished whole physique water and fats mass. Other current research additionally confirmed the identical outcomes relating to the impact of RIF on weight reduction and different anthropometric [32]. On the opposite hand, Das et al. (2019) performed a examine on a inhabitants of Indian Muslims after Ramadan. The outcomes confirmed a rise in physique weight and BMI after one month of Ramadan [35]. Additionally, there’s a lack of research analyzing the consequences of RIF fasting on Conicity Index (CI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI). The present examine discovered that there was no important distinction amongst these parameters. The mechanism behind the shortage of serious variations in CI, AVI, and BAI throughout RIF may very well be attributed to the physique’s metabolic diversifications [7]. During fasting, the physique shifts from utilizing glycogen shops to burning fats for power, resulting in general weight and fats mass discount [32]. However, these modifications could not considerably affect particular adiposity indices like CI, AVI, and BAI, that are extra delicate to long-term physique composition modifications moderately than short-term weight fluctuations.

These findings could also be a results of a rise in fats and sugar consumption throughout RIF, which is suitable with our outcomes that point out a rise in pastries and dessert consumption along with a lower within the proportion of fats after Ramadan. Also, Madkour et al. (2022) indicated excessive consumption of sugar after Ramadan, which elevated from the imply of 65.9 g/d to 107.7 g/d [32]. That is according to our outcomes, which confirmed a big improve within the day by day frequency of dessert consumption. Results of the current examine confirmed a big lower in consumption of pink meat, which can point out decrease general animal protein consumption on account of a decreased variety of meals to 1 meal a day. Comparable to this end result, Madkour et al. (2022) confirmed a big decline in protein consumption from 108.3 g/day to 90 g/day after RIF days [32].

The RIF considerably alters dietary patterns amongst wholesome adults, because it includes abstaining from foods and drinks from daybreak to sundown for a whole month [36]. During Ramadan, people usually eat two predominant meals: Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to interrupt the quick at sundown). This shift in meal timing and frequency results in notable modifications in dietary consumption in comparison with non-fasting intervals. Studies have proven that after RIF, there is a rise within the consumption of high-calorie meals, sweets, and fried gadgets, significantly after Iftar [36]. Conversely, the consumption of fruits, greens, and water could lower because of the restricted consuming time [36]. These dietary modifications can affect general nutrient consumption, with potential reductions in fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals [29]. Comparing these patterns to year-round dietary habits, it’s evident that RIF introduces distinctive challenges and alternatives for sustaining a balanced weight loss program [37]. Furthermore, there’s a notable however insignificant lower in bodily exercise after Ramadan, which is introduced as a sum of MetS [38]. The decline in bodily exercise could also be defined by the concern of thirst and dehydration, particularly due to the size and warmth of Ramadan days.

Changes in psychological stress after RIF are broadly various between research. Our outcomes revealed that there was a big lower in psychological stress among the many contributors after Ramadan. This end result contradicts the end result revealed by Al-otaibi et al. (2023), which indicated a rise in psychological stress rating [6]. On the opposite hand, Boukhris et al. (2019) demonstrated that psychological stress remained unchanged after Ramadan [37]. Results of the present examine indicated that sleep hours decreased considerably throughout Ramadan. This result’s according to one other examine that was performed by Bener et al. (2021), which revealed that there have been fewer sleep hours throughout Ramadan [39]. In distinction, Margolis and Reedet (2004) confirmed that there was a rise in daytime sleep throughout Ramadan [40]. However Majid et al. (2023) demonstrated that there is no such thing as a change in whole sleep time between earlier than and after Ramadan [41]. It is worthy be aware that modifications in sleep time would possibly contribute to the modifications in serum ranges of leptin, insulin, and cortisol; these components might have an effect on day by day power consumption and not directly clarify among the physique weight variation throughout and after RIF [42].

Reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers can clarify modifications in psychological stress throughout RIF by a number of mechanisms [10]. The RIF can lower oxidative stress by enhancing the physique’s pure antioxidant defenses, which improves mind operate and reduces anxiousness and despair [43]. Additionally, fasting lowers ranges of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, that are linked to psychological well being points [44]. By decreasing irritation, fasting helps alleviate signs of despair and anxiousness [45]. Fasting additionally influences stress hormones like cortisol, resulting in diminished stress and anxiousness [46]. These hormones results contribute to the optimistic modifications in psychological stress noticed throughout RIF.

Duration of RIF differ from 12 to twenty hours based mostly on location of nations and time of the yr, affecting physiological and psychological responses of inhabitants [47]. Longer fasting time can alter metabolic responses, hydration standing, and power steadiness, contributing to variations of research [13]. Additionally, cultural dietary habits throughout RIF differ, with some areas consuming extra sweets and fried meals, whereas others give attention to balanced meals [14]. These dietary variations affect physique weight modifications, metabolic well being, and stress ranges, resulting in inconsistence of examine outcomes.