Changes in anthropometric indices, lifestyle patterns, and mental stress with ramadan intermittent fasting among healthy students: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background The association between Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) and metabolic diseases has been studied. However, there remains a significant gap in the research regarding the changes in anthropometric indices related to body weight during RIF, as these have not been extensively investigated. Additionally, the role of lifestyle behaviours in relation to RIF has not been thoroughly studied. This paper aims to address these gaps by examining the effect of RIF on anthropometric indices, lifestyle patterns, and mental stress among university students. Methods A prospective cohort study included 150 university students aged 18–40 years. Data was collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews conducted one week before and immediately after one week of RIF. Body weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and other anthropometric indices related to obesity, including Conicity Index (CI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI), and Body Roundness Index (BRI). Results The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) showed a significant decrease from 0.481 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.10, with reductions in body weight (kg) (62.63 ± 1.2 vs. 69.25 ± 1.18, p < 0.05). A significant change in BRI before and after fasting (1.84 ± 0.37 vs. 1.06 ± 0.17, p < 0.05) was observed. However, there was no significant difference in other anthropometric indices such as CI, WWI, and BAI. Significant changes were observed in lifestyle parameters after RIF, including decreased sleep hours (6 ± 0.263 vs. 8 ± 0.581, p < 0.05) and reduced number of meals after fasting (1 ± 0.135 vs. 3 ± 1.242, p < 0.05). Stress levels significantly decreased after RIF (p < 0.05). RIF fasting positively impacts body weight, anthropometric indices, and stress levels among healthy students. Conclusion These findings suggest that RIF can improve health outcomes by promoting better dietary habits, enhancing sleep duration, and reducing stress, leading to significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and BRI.