Effect of Islamic Fasting on Glucose, Lipid Profiles and Body Mass Index, Adiponectin and Leptin in Obese Individuals

Abstract

<strong>Introduction:</strong> Fasting is an Islamic practice, which causes various metabolic changes in fasting individuals. Numerous studies have examined different aspects of fasting, but its effect on individuals with different characteristics such as obesity has remained unknown. The impact of fasting on adipose tissue hormones such as leptin and adiponectin is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Islamic fasting on glucose and lipid profiles, as well as plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations in fasting obese and normal-weight individuals. <strong>Methods:</strong> Obese and normal-weight individuals from Yazd, Iran, who fasted during Ramadan were divided into two groups (n=24). Blood samples were taken from all the participants after 10-12 fasting hours two days before and one day after Ramadan to assess glucose and lipid profiles and plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations. The individuals who were not able to fast for at least 21 days due to inflammatory or infectious diseases and those who received oral medications or supplements during Ramadan were excluded from the study. <strong>Results:</strong> Variations in weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-c were significant in the obese group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes in leptin and adiponectin levels in obese cases. Variables such as weight, BMI, and triglycerides and leptin levels decreased significantly, while adiponectin level did not change significantly in normal-weight cases. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Islamic fasting can prevent cardiovascular diseases in obese and normal-weight individuals through reducing weight, BMI, and some blood lipids, elevating HDL-c level, and changing the concentration of some adipokines.