Effects on human health

Studies conducted on Ramadan-style fasting have shown that fasting affects human biochemistry. Such fasting results in an increase in serum lipids and uric acid, though the latter has no adverse health effects. Long term effects, such and increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in LDL cholesterol have been observed with Ramadan fasting. [3]

A decrease in blood glucose, actate and pyruvate, has also been observed, possibly indicating alterations in metabolic activities. Basal metabolism also slows down, and fat is used more efficiently during such fasting. During fasting, the liver responds with adaptive changes in metabolic activities. The increased activities of enzymes involved in the degradation as well as the production of glucose suggest that RTF enhances nutrition and energy metabolism. There is no conclusive evidence whether the weight of an individual is affected positively or negatively by Ramadan style fasting.[3]

Because Muslims must abstain from smoking during Ramadan, The Muslim Health Network, the anti-smoking charity Quit and the British Heart Foundation launched the "Tobacco and secondhand Smoke Free Ramadan Campaign" in 2003.