Many of them also take the opportunity to get fit, as they think the lack of food coupled with exercise will help them slim down. In reality, this can have the opposite effect and seriously damage one's health.
Some have resorted to strenuous exercise right before iftar (ending of the fast meal) to lose weight. However, dehydration is one of the most dangerous risks of fasting, especially as the holy month of Ramadan falls this year during the summer when temperatures could reach 50 degrees Celsius.
People wrongly believe a lack of food coupled with strenuous exercise will help them shed pounds. Although they might lose some weight, this can be extremely harmful to their health.
Dehydration can also make other conditions, such as kidney stones, more painful.
“As a physician working in the ER, I see more patients with renal colic (kidney stones) during Ramadan than any other time of the year because many people do not replenish the water lost during the day. Excessive perspiration only adds to this problem,” said Dr. N. Baho, who works at a Jeddah hospital.
Working out when you are fasting can even cause you to gain weight. “Water and sugar are needed for metabolism,” said Dr. R.D., who did not want to reveal his full name. “When you are fasting, your metabolism slows down to cope with the lack of food. The next time you eat, which will be when you break your fast, your body will store more fat than usual to adjust.”
After exercise, people will be hungrier and eat more than they normally would, he added.
The most effective way to lose weight, said Baho, is to limit calorie intake.
“During Ramadan, people do not pay attention to what they eat because they are hungry,” she said.
“This is the reason why most people gain weight during this month. They break their fast with foods high in cholesterol and sugary drinks, and they eat an enormous amount of food.”
When asked what her recommendations were for those who were fasting, Baho said that people should break their fast with healthy foods rather than fried dishes, to eat smaller portions and drink plenty of water throughout the night.
Many dieticians recommend breaking fast with a light meal, possibly including soup or salads, and then eating a heavier meal after a few hours when the stomach has had time to digest.
However, this should not discourage people from being active during Ramadan.
Walks, light jogging, stretching and short periods of other forms of exercise is not only recommended, it is essential to remaining healthy in Ramadan.
