Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body weight, BMI and Lipid Profile Parameters among BNYS Students: A Pre-post Observational Study

Dr. Sowmya M; Dr. Arshiya Anjum

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body weight, BMI and Lipid Profile Parameters among BNYS Students: A Pre-post Observational Study

Author(s)	Dr. Sowmya M, Dr. Arshiya Anjum
Country	India
Abstract	Background Ramadan is characterised by daily abstinence from food and fluids between dawn and sunset for approximately one month. During this period, individuals experience changes in eating schedules, meal frequency, fluid intake, sleep patterns, and daily activities. Such changes may influence body weight, body mass index (BMI), and circulating lipid concentrations. However, reported metabolic responses to Ramadan fasting vary across populations. Aim To determine the changes in anthropometric measurements and lipid profile parameters among BNYS students before and after Ramadan fasting. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study with pre–post assessment among 20 BNYS students who observed Ramadan fasting throughout the study period. The participants included 10 females and 10 males. Body weight and BMI were assessed before and after Ramadan. Blood samples were analysed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C at both time points. The pre- and post-fasting values were statistically compared using an appropriate paired test. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Significant changes were observed in all assessed parameters following Ramadan fasting. TC decreased from 173.55 ± 7.49 mg/dL to 142.45 ± 6.53 mg/dL, representing a mean reduction of 31.10 mg/dL (17.92%) (W = 0, p < 0.001). TG decreased from 149.05 ± 7.97 mg/dL to 133.30 ± 7.22 mg/dL, a reduction of 15.75 mg/dL (10.57%) (W = 0, p < 0.001). LDL-C decreased from 98.00 ± 8.35 mg/dL to 74.60 ± 6.49 mg/dL, representing a reduction of 23.40 mg/dL (23.88%) (W = 0, p < 0.001), while VLDL-C decreased by 1.70 mg/dL (7.68%) (W = 0, p < 0.001). HDL-C increased from 44.95 ± 2.14 mg/dL to 46.15 ± 2.60 mg/dL, representing an increase of 1.20 mg/dL (2.67%) (W = 15, p < 0.001). Body weight decreased by 4.95 kg (9.11%), and BMI decreased by 2.47 kg/m² (9.11%); both changes were statistically significant (W = 0, p < 0.001). Conclusion Ramadan fasting was associated with significant improvements in body weight, BMI and the lipid profile among the participating BNYS students. The observed reductions in TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, body weight and BMI, together with an increase in HDL-C, suggest favourable short-term changes in selected cardiometabolic parameters. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size and absence of a non-fasting control group.
Keywords	Ramadan fasting; time-restricted fasting; body weight; body mass index; lipid profile; cholesterol; triglycerides; HDL-C; LDL-C; VLDL-C; BNYS students.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 10, October 2026
Published On	2026-10-19

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Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body weight, BMI and Lipid Profile Parameters among BNYS Students: A Pre-post Observational Study

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