title: Study of Human Biochemical Parameters During and After Ramadan.
abstract: Ramadan fasting is obligatory for Muslims each year. They abstain from drinking, eating and intimate relationship between dawn and dusk during this month. Dietary restriction during Ramadan has various biochemical and physiological effects. It is shown to decrease the body weight, glucose and lipid profile. This study aims to analyze the changes in body weight, glucose and lipid profile during Ramadan in physiotherapy students in Pakistan. The study was conducted during June-July 2013 (Hijri year 1434). There were 80 students (50 males and 30 females) recruited in the experiment. They all were healthy adults between the age group of 18-24 (mean age 20.5) years. All subjects underwent a general physical examination and interview, and non-healthy subjects were excluded. On statistical analysis, quantitative data were expressed in terms of mean ± SD and a p value of ≤0.05 was believed statically significant. Paired t test was used to compare the variables. There was a little reduction in body weight (62.7 ± 8.8 vs. 62.3 ± 9.0; p value = 0.009) but a significant decline in glucose level (72.6 ± 12.5 vs. 57.9 ± 10.7; p value = 0.000), low-density lipoprotein level (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.3; p value = 0.000), total cholesterol (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.2 ± 0.5; p value = 0.000) and triglycerides (1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5; p value = 0.000) was observed. Moreover, there was some reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3; p value = 0.045). This study shows that Ramadan fasting, a religious obligation for purification of body and soul, resulted in reduced body weight and a positive effect on glucose level and lipid profile.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mubin Mustafa
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kiyani
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabashah, Pakistan. dpt.aamir@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Aamir Raoof
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Memon
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mian Imran
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Amjad
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad Rifaqat
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ameer
authors.affiliation: Pakistan Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadiq
authors.affiliation: Nano Sciences and Catalysis Division, National Center for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Tariq
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mahmood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D005215:Fasting / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D012016:Reference Values; D013334:Students; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids
keywords: Biochemical; Body weight; Fasting; Glucose level; Lipid level; Ramadan