Does Ramadan Fasting along with Circuit Resistance Training Have an Effect on Body Composition and Lipid Profiles of Healthy Inactive Middle-aged Men?

Introduction: Physical activity and healthy nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Fasting during Ramadan also showing potential health benefits. However, the impact of combining fasting and physical activity on health outcomes in diverse individuals remains relatively unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting alone or with circuit resistance training on the body composition and lipid profile of middle-aged men. Methods: Thirty inactive and healthy adult males were randomly assigned to one of three groups in this study: fasting (۳۰ days of Ramadan fasting), circuit resistance training (۳۰ days of Ramadan fasting plus ۱۲ training sessions), or the control group. A day prior to the commencement of the fasting month of Ramadan and one day subsequent to its conclusion, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed utilizing established methodologies. The training program consisted of ۱۲ training sessions every other day, which lasted between ۳۰ and ۴۵ minutes. This training protocol was done at ۵:۰۰ PM. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software. The data were analyzed with the statistical method of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (P ≤ ۰.۰۵). Results: The results showed that, compared to the control group, the variables of body weight (P=۰.۰۰۱), BMI (P=۰.۰۰۱), body fat % (P=۰.۰۰۱) and muscle mass (P=۰.۰۰۲) decreased significantly in the fasting and fasting combined with exercise groups. In contrast to the control group, the intervention groups exhibited negligible reductions in total cholesterol (P=۰.۰۸۲), triglyceride (P=۰.۱۳۲), and LDL-C (P=۰.۱۲۳) levels. In addition, it was observed that the HDL-C level in the fasting (P=۰.۰۰۱) and fasting combined with training (P=۰.۰۰۱) groups was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of circuit resistance training with a one-month fast during Ramadan has resulted in changes in body composition, including a reduction in body weight, BMI, body fat%, and muscle mass. A non-significant reduction in the blood lipid profile, however, accompanied these modifications. However, the HDL variable was also reduced following the implementation of exercise and fasting.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ramadan fasting ، Resistance training ، Body composition