Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan can help a person reduce up to 5% of body weight, according to a bariatric medicine expert at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Meta analysis of international studies have revealed that healthy fasting would help reduce 3.5 to 5 percent of the body weight and it has a positive impact on many obesity related diseases, said Dr Wahiba Mohamed H Elhag, Senior Consultant, Bariatric Medicine Surgery at the HMC.
“Besides the spiritual side to it, holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity to follow a diet for weight loss, as the hours during which the fasting person can eat and drink are limited compared to normal days, and by controlling what a person is eating, one can adjust the amount of calories, which is reflected in weight loss,” she said speaking to media persons.
“To get the full benefit of fasting must follow a healthy life style and balance diet. It contributes to weight loss and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It has as well many health benefits such as contributing to weight loss, regulating blood sugar, controlling bad cholesterol, blood pressure and eliminating accumulated toxins and regenerating cells,” Dr Elhag added.
Since the body is unable to get its energy from food during fasting, it dips into glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. This begins around eight hours after the last meal is consumed. When the stored glucose has been used up, the body then begins to burn fat as a source of energy, which can result in weight loss as well as in preserving muscles and reducing cholesterol levels
“Fasting relieves and strengthens the digestive system while increasing its efficiency, and helps adjust triglyceride levels in the blood. Despite this, many have reversed the rule. With the abundance and easy preparation of food, people often break their fast with lavish feasts rich in a variety of dishes, sweets and fried food, leading to an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol, and perhaps diabetes and weight gain which is the opposite of what the fasting person is trying to achieve,” said Dr Elhag.
She also suggested that following ‘intermittent fasting’ after the month of Ramadan can help a person continue a healthy weight control. Intermittent fasting involves alternating cycles of fasting and eating. No food is allowed during the fasting period, but can drink water, coffee, tea and other non-caloric beverages. Some forms of intermittent fasting allow small amounts of low-calorie foods during the fasting period.
“Intermittent fasting is currently one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends. Many studies show that this can cause weight loss, improve metabolic health, protect against disease,” said Dr Elhag.
