The effect of Ramadan fasting and physical activity on anthropometrics, lipid profile and blood pressure of normal male students

 Background and Objective: Inappropriate changes of lipid
profile are associated with obesity and overweight and can increase the risk of
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.   Materials and Methods: In this study, 19 male students aged
19-25 years were selected as volunteers. First they were divided into two
groups: active fasting (n=9) and passive fasting (n=10). Active fasting group
performed 14 sessions of exercise training. Three sessions per week with an
intensity of 50 to 75 percent heart rate reserve (HRR) for 45-60 minutes was
performed. Blood sampling was done at four stages. Data were analyzed by
GLM-Repeated Measures (ANOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05.   Results: The effect of fasting
with and without physical activity on anthropometric measures was not
significantly different, but one-month fasting with physical activity decreased
weight, BMI, WHR and percentage body fat (PBF). During the fasting, TG/HDL and
TC/HDL ratios decreased in the active group and these values ​​returned
to initial levels at the end of fasting. Levels of TG, LDL and TG/HDL in
fasting group without exercise slightly increased. The effect of fasting, both
with and without exercise on resting heart rate, blood pressure, diastolic,
systolic, mean arterial and myocardial oxygen cost was not significantly
different.   Conclusion: One-month fasting with regular physical activity reduces the weight,
percent body fat, WHR and BMI and could prevent
inappropriate changes of lipid profile and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis
and metabolic syndrome.