Islamic fasting and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting on weight changes have been contradictory. We brought together all published data to comprehensively examine the effects in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design: Relevant studies were obtained through searches of PubMed and CINAHL and by independent screening of reference lists and citations without any time restriction. All searches were completed between October and November 2011. Setting: Changes in body weight during and after Ramadan were extracted from thirty-five English-language studies and were meta-analysed. Most of the studies were conducted in West Asia (n 19); the remainder were conducted in Africa (n 7), East Asia (n 3) and North America/Europe (n 4). Subjects: Healthy adults. Results: Fasting during Ramadan resulted in significant weight loss (-1 center dot 24 kg; 95 % CI -1 center dot 60, -0 center dot 88 kg). However, most of the weight lost was regained within a few weeks and only a slight decrease in body weight was observed in the following weeks after Ramadan compared with that at the beginning of Ramadan. Weight loss at the end of Ramadan was significant in both genders (-1 center dot 51 kg for men and -0 center dot 92 kg for women); but again the weight loss lasted no longer than 2 weeks after Ramadan. Weight loss during Ramadan was greater among Asian populations compared with Africans and Europeans. Conclusions: Weight changes during Ramadan were relatively small and mostly reversed after Ramadan, gradually returning to pre-Ramadan status. Ramadan provides an opportunity to lose weight, but structured and consistent lifestyle modifications are necessary to achieve lasting weight loss.