Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Lipid Profile in Patients with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

Abstract

Abstract 
Background: Ramadan fasting involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset 
and is practiced by millions of Muslims globally. It causes physiological and metabolic changes, 
including shifts in lipid metabolism. This review systematically evaluates the effect of Ramadan 
fasting on lipid profiles in individuals with elevated cholesterol levels. 

Methods:  A  systematic  search  was  conducted  in  PubMed,  Scopus,  and  Web  of  Science  for 
studies published between 2000 and 2024. Inclusion criteria involved original studies assessing 
total  cholesterol  (TC),  LDL  cholesterol  (LDL-C), HDL  cholesterol  (HDL-C),  and  triglycerides 
(TG)  before  and  after  Ramadan  fasting  in  patients  with  elevated  cholesterol.  Data  were 
synthesized qualitatively. 

Results:  Out  of  75  screened  studies,  30  met  inclusion  criteria.  Most  reported  significant 
reductions in TC and TG levels  after Ramadan  fasting. LDL-C decreased in some studies but 
remained  unchanged  in  others. HDL-C  was  generally  stable  or  slightly  increased.  The most 
pronounced improvements were observed in patients with higher baseline cholesterol. 

Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has a beneficial effect on lipid profiles, especially in reducing TC 
and TG  in  hypercholesterolemic  individuals. However,  changes  in LDL-C  and HDL-C  vary. 
More controlled studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and long-term outcomes.