Impact of Ramadan fasting on medical and psychiatric health

Chehovich, Charisse; Demler, Tammie Lee; Leppien, Emily

doi:10.1097/yic.0000000000000275

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…These discrepancies in the reported results could be related to the assessment method used to evaluate the changes in depressive symptoms or severity. Previous studies relied mainly on patients’ reports or clinical interviews and lacked the use of a reliable and valid outcome measure of depressive symptoms [ 9 , 11 ]. The deterioration in depressive symptoms observed in the non-fasting group can possibly be explained by the fact that previous studies in healthy people [ 34 ] and patients with diabetes [ 35 ] showed that fasting can lead to an improvement in stress scores, which may explain our findings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Time-restricted feeding [ 7 ], changes in appetite [ 8 ], staying up late until the early hours of the morning for suhoor (the predawn meal), and changes in social interaction [ 8 ] may all interfere with symptoms of depression [ 9 ]. Furthermore, patients frequently reported that they feel demotivated, socially isolated, and guilty because they are unable to experience enjoyment with others [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ramadan Fasting Improves Body Composition without Exacerbating Depression in Males with Diagnosed Major Depressive Disorders

et al. 2021

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Background: Ramadan fasting (RF) is a form of intermittent fasting that generally improves body composition and related metabolic profiles. Whether RF exacerbates depressive symptomatology in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) is undetermined. Methods: 100 men, who lived in Bahrain and were between the ages of 18 and 64 years with an established diagnosis of MDD, participated in this 4-week study. Based on preference, participants were assigned to a fasting group (FG, n = 50) and a non-fasting group (NFG, n = 50). The FG engaged in fasting from 03:40 to 18:10 (dawn and dusk timings). Changes in depressive symptoms, body mass, body composition, and components of metabolic syndrome were measured. Results: There were no significant changes in depressive symptoms within the FG vs. NFG after controlling for baseline covariates: mean difference 0.49 (SE = 0.63), p = 0.43. No adverse effects were reported in either group. The FG experienced significant reductions in body mass, 1.87 kg, p = 0.001; body mass index, 0.69 kg/m2, p = 0.001; body fat, 0.87%, p = 0.001; body surface area, 0.03 m2, p = 0.001; and lean mass, 0.77 kg, p = 0.001. Conclusions: RF did not negatively affect depressive symptoms and improved body composition, suggesting short-term intermittent fasting may be a safe dietary practice for adult males with MDD.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ramadan Fasting Improves Body Composition without Exacerbating Depression in Males with Diagnosed Major Depressive Disorders

et al. 2021

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“…2 Increased dehydration escalates the risk for orthostatic hypotension, which might require discontinuing clozapine. 6 Hypotension and toxicity might arise during lithium pharmacotherapy. The Table 4 (page 52) summarizes things to consider when caring for a patient who fasts while receiving pharmacotherapy.…”

Section: Be Aware Of the Potential Risksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intermittent fasting: What to tell patients

Scarff¹

2022

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“…A systematic review reported that RF does not cause new mental health problems or disorders and there were no major reasons to advise people not to fast, with the exception of people with major psychiatric disorders [172]. However, there is a report regarding a mental health patient, on medication, who suffered adverse effects that are attributed to fasting during Ramadan [173]. In light of the current literature, fasting during Ramadan may bring positive mental health benefits for healthy people, but those with pre-existing mental health issues should seek medical advice before engaging in fasting.…”

Section: Adverse Effects Of the Covid-19 Pandemic On Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ramadan 2020 and Beyond in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Scientific Evidence For Action

et al. 2020

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Background: Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, which involves 29–30 days of dawn-till-dusk dry-fasting. Millions of Muslims observed Ramadan fasting (RF) this year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain ethnic groups worldwide, including Muslims, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, raising fears that fasting could bring additional health risks. This directly impacted on the current challenges faced by health professionals. The COVID-19 virus is expected to become seasonal. Therefore, the evidence presented in this review is valid beyond Ramadan as intermittent fasting is practiced more widely, irrespective of religion, throughout the year as a therapeutic and prophylactic means for several conditions. Methods: A wide range of literature databases were searched for the effects of RF and intermittent fasting on human health and then linked to COVID-19 impact to generate the evidence. Results: This review presents a body of evidence proving RF is safe and beneficial for healthy people who adopt a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and engage in regular physical activity. Fasting reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), which are associated with severe COVID-19. Furthermore, increased handwashing and hygiene during Ramadan may reduce infection risks. For some, social isolation, physical inactivity, reduced access to food and stress – linked to the pandemic – may minimize the benefits that is achieved during a “normal” Ramadan. Conclusions: RF during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a cause of concern for healthy people. However, people who are ill are exempt from fasting and should seek medical advice if they wish to fast. RF during the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique experience and future research will reveal its impact on human health. Key words: COVID-19; Ramadan; fasting; health; mental; exercise; isolation; lockdown; diabetes; biomarkers

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Impact of Ramadan fasting on medical and psychiatric health

Cited by 9 publications

References 12 publications

Ramadan Fasting Improves Body Composition without Exacerbating Depression in Males with Diagnosed Major Depressive Disorders

Ramadan Fasting Improves Body Composition without Exacerbating Depression in Males with Diagnosed Major Depressive Disorders

Intermittent fasting: What to tell patients

Ramadan 2020 and Beyond in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Scientific Evidence For Action

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