Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body composition in athlete

Abstract

Every year Muslims fast the holy month of Ramadan, which lasts about 30 days. This fasting may affect the athlete’s body and physical fitness positively or negatively. This research aims to identify the extent of body composition changes that can occur in athlete due to Ramadan fasting, especially body weight, muscle mass, and fat mass. 10 students from the Department of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Mostaganem (Algeria) were tested before and after the fast of Ramadan. Parameters were tested one week before fasting, and one week after fasting. Results showed no significant differences between the two tests for the majority of studied parameters, except fat mass.