For Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection and gratitude. And every day, from sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking.
But it is also a time when people are more aware of the food they eat. That is why questions are often asked about losing weight in those four weeks. Should I lose weight during Ramadan?
One kilo in four weeks
During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a month. Knowing whether the Ramadan fast affects body weight has implications for health advice for the Muslim community, for understanding the effects of skipping meals on body weight, and for general weight management advice.
Some studies have compared body weight before and after fasting and one month later in practicing Muslims. It is estimated that Ramadan followers lose an average of about one kilogram of weight over a month, and the lost weight is quickly regained .
Current weight management treatments generally assume that skipping meals leads to weight gain and discourage it. The finding suggests that more research is needed on the justification for the “don’t skip meals” advice.
Why is weight lost?
Many people will lose weight in Ramadan simply because portion sizes change . When we fast for a long period of the day, the stomach can become smaller and therefore hold less food. Changes in appetite may also be found.
When we start to lose weight, initially it is excess water , then our body tends to deplete our stores of sugar (glycogen), which we store in our liver and muscles. Then it will go to our fat cells. With exercise, the amount of fat we burn can also increase. If you lose weight in Ramadan, it is possible that once the fasting period is over, you will regain some, if not all, of the weight.
Plus, it’s consistency with healthy eating and regular exercise, as well as increased water intake, that will help you shed pounds.
Experts suggest that you don’t feel like losing weight in Ramadan. If our weight does not fluctuate in those weeks, it does not mean that we are not fasting correctly. We are all different and our bodies react in different ways. In case of doubt, it is advised to consult a dietitian, nutritionist or even a doctor for further advice on an individual basis.
