The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition in Adolescents

Abstract

The study was carried out on 20 healthy volunteer boys who were in 14-18 years age group, attending Siteler Occupational Education Çenter in Ankara. The p u rp o se o f this stu d y to examine the changes in body composition and nutrients intakes during and after ramadan in healthy adolescents. Body composition and 3 consecutive days food consumption were assessed at the beginning 2 nd, 3th, 4th weeks and 2 weeks after ramadan. Body composition was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method and fo o d records were evaluated using a computerized nutrition system (BeBiS) programme. Mean (±Sx) age and height o f the individuals were 16.01 ± 0.25 years, and 167.8 ± 0.89 cm, respectively. Body weight and fa t free mass were increased 0.56 kg, and 0.64 kg respectively during ramadan, while body fa t was decreased with 0.13 kg. Although no differences were found in the amount o f total body water between the beginning and after ramadan periods, the most o f body water (L) loss was seen at the second week o f ramadan (p>0.05). According to the assessment o f the energy and macronutrient intakes it was fo u n d that there has been an evident increase in protein intake after ramadan compared with the beginning values (p<0.05) but there were no relation fo u n d betvveen body composition and enegy and macronutrients. (p<0.05) In this study, it w as concluded that the effects o f ramadan on body composition and fo o d intake were not clear, in this study.