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. 2021 Oct 21;21(1):1912.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-11961-9.

Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults

Abdualziz Farooq  1   2 , Karim Chamari  3 , Suzan Sayegh  3 , Maha El Akoum  4 , Abdulla Saeed Al-Mohannadi  3   4
Affiliations

Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults

Abdualziz Farooq et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Muslims around the world practice intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan each year. We hypothesized that daily physical activity could be reduced among Muslims due to the inability to refuel and rehydrate in the fasting state.

Methods: A cohort study design among adults registered with national physical activity community program. Data from a pedometer-based community program was used to extract 3 months of daily step counts before, during, and after Ramadan for the past years (2013-2019). A survey was conducted among participants to determine fasting practice and other health and environmental factors.

Results: A total of 209 participants completed the survey and provided valid data on physical activity. During Ramadan, the average steps per day decreased significantly (- 385 ± SE 158) among participants who fasted (n = 151) p = 0.046 and increased (+ 731 ± SE 247) for the non- fasting participants (n = 58) p = 0.010. Fasting participants preferred before sunset (33.8%) or evening (39.7%) for physical activity. Whereas, non-fasting participants preferred early morning (34.5%).

Conclusion: Fasting during Ramadan impacts the daily physical activity behavior among Muslims. Interventions should focus on creating awareness of the importance of maintenance of adequate physical activity for adults fasting during Ramadan.

Keywords: Daily intermittent fasting; Pedometer; Physical activity; Ramadan fasting.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Average steps per day (Mean ± SE) each week, 1 month before, during and after Ramadan in fasting and non-fasting participants
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Preferred time for physical activity (%) among fasting and non-fasting participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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