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Chapter 11 - Ramadan Intermittent Fasting: A Contemporary Health Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Meghit Boumediene Khaled ,
Mustapha Diaf ,
Maha H. Alhussain  and
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Edited by
Basil H. Aboul-Enein ,
G. Hussein Rassool ,
Nada Benajiba ,
Joshua Bernstein  and
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Basil H. Aboul-Enein
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
G. Hussein Rassool
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Nada Benajiba
Affiliation:
Ibn Tofail University
Joshua Bernstein
Affiliation:
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Affiliation:
Applied Science Private University
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Summary

The model of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) grasped the attention of scholars and scientists due to the unique pattern of dawn-to-sunset abstinence for 29–30 consecutive days from all foods and drinks including water. Research on RIF, which extends over seven decades, revealed various effects on body functions and metabolic states. Amongst the most prominently examined aspects include the body weight changes, circadian rhythm, cardiovascular health, and the relationship with diabetes. Through this chapter, the main findings on the effect of RIF on body weight, circadian rhythm changes, cardiometabolic health, and patients with diabetes, as well as the relevant medical management strategies, are summarized.

Keywords

Intermittent fastingcircadian rhythmdiabetesmetabolismgut microbiota
Type
Chapter
Information
Contemporary Islamic Perspectives in Public Health , pp. 66 - 72
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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