Effect of Islamic fasting on body weight, blood pressure, electrolytes, blood cell count and certain serum biochemical variables in males

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to Investigate the changes in blood pressure ( systolic and diastolic) , serum lipids , glucose, electrolytes, blood cell count and weight during Ramadan fasting in apparently healthy muslem men. Eighty male college students or staffs were followed in 3 stages during the month of Ramadan. Blood pressure, weight and height were measured on day one ( baseline) ,also fasting blood samples were analyzed on day 1,14 and 28 for triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and electrolytes. By the end of Ramadan, blood cell count, blood glucose, area, creatinine, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein v( HDL) ,Na, K , albumin and indirect bilirubin did not change comparing today one: however body weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly ( p<0.001), and hemoglobin, hematocrit, uric acid, CA, direct bilirubin and low density lipoprotein cholesterol increased as compared with baseline values. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the contradiction as compared with various investigators. Ramadan fasting can result in reducing weight and blood pressure, although it may increase serum lipids levels.