Does Ramadan Fasting, along with Circuit Resistance Training Affect the Body Composition and Lipid Profiles of Healthy, Inactive Middle-aged Men?

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Sport Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.

2 Shahed University, Department of Exercise Physiology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity and healthy nutrition are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Fasting during Ramadan also shows potential health benefits. However, the effect of combining fasting and physical activity on health outcomes in diverse individuals remains relatively unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting alone or with circuit resistance training on middle-aged men's body composition and lipid profile. Methods: Thirty inactive and healthy adult males were randomly assigned to three groups in this study: fasting (30 days of Ramadan fasting), circuit resistance training (30 days of Ramadan fasting plus 12 training sessions), and the control group. A day before the commencement of the fasting month of Ramadan and one day after its conclusion, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed utilizing established methodologies. The training program consisted of 12 sessions every other day, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. This training protocol was performed at 5:00 PM. Data were analyzed with SPSS software and using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The results showed that compared to the control group, body weight (P=0.001), BMI (P=0.001), body fat % (P=0.001), and muscle mass (P=0.002) decreased significantly in the fasting and fasting combined with exercise groups. In contrast to the control group, the intervention groups exhibited non-significant reductions in total cholesterol (P=0.082), triglyceride (P=0.132), and LDL-C (P=0.123) levels. In addition, the HDL-C level in the fasting (P=0.001) and fasting combined with training (P=0.001) groups was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Conclusion: Based on the results, integrating circuit resistance training with a one-month fast during Ramadan resulted in changes in body composition, including a reduction in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and muscle mass. However, a non-significant decrease in the blood lipid profile accompanied these modifications. HDL was also reduced following the implementation of exercise and fasting.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 12, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 196-203

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 08 June 2024

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