Effect of Ramadan Diurnal Fasting on Visceral Adiposity and Serum Adipokines in Overweight and Obese Individuals

Abstract Aim Excessive visceral adiposity is a major risk factor for developing insulin resistance and systemic low-grade inflammation. Ramadan diurnal fasting (RDF) is a religious ritual practiced by more than one billion Muslim throughout the world. It has been considered as one of the most common types of complementary and integrative health practices. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of RDF on visceral adiposity, circulating adipokines and glucoregulatory markers in patients with overweight or obesity. Methods Overweight and obese subjects (n = 61; 23 men and 38 women) were included in the study. Body weight, visceral fat tissue area (measured by 3D-MRI), glucoregulatory factors, serum adipokines concentrations, dietary intake, and physical activity were assessed one week before and at the end of the lunar month of Ramadan. Results From baseline , body weight and visceral fat tissue area serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased ( P P P r =  0.4, P r =  0.44, P Conclusion RDF lowers visceral adiposity, body weight and variably affects adipokines without adversely affecting markers of glucose homeostasis in individuals with overweight or obesity.