title: Islamic fasting and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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).
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthy adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fasting during Ramadan resulted in significant weight loss (-1·24 kg; 95% CI -1·60, -0·88 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 (-1·51 kg for men and -0·92 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors.forename: Behnam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sadeghirad
authors.affiliation: 2 Research Center for Modeling in Health, University of Medical Sciences, Avicenna Ave., Jahad Blvd, Postal Code 7619813159, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors.forename: Shahrzad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Motaghipisheh
authors.affiliation: 3 Aboriginal & Global Health Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Fariba
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kolahdooz
authors.affiliation: 4 Physiology Research Center, Internal Medicine Department, University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zahedi
authors.affiliation: 2 Research Center for Modeling in Health, University of Medical Sciences, Avicenna Ave., Jahad Blvd, Postal Code 7619813159, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors.forename: Ali A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Haghdoost
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*