Synergistic Effects of Balanced Diet Education and Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight in Obese Adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12873/Palabras clave:
Obesity, weight loss, balanced nutrition education, Ramadan fastingResumen
Background: Obesity is a growing public health issue, driven by poor dietary habits and sedentary behavior during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. Although Ramadan fasting, as part of the Muslim faith not intended for weight management, may offer health benefits when combined with balanced nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining nutrition education with Ramadan fasting in reducing body weight and improving dietary habits among obese undergraduate students.
Methods: A pretest-posttest control group design was conducted at Hasanuddin University from February to April 2025. Out of 770 newly enrolled students, 76 participants with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received structured nutrition education alongside Ramadan fasting, while the control group fasted without educational support. Data collection included anthropometric and body composition measurements, 24-hour dietary recall, and validated questionnaires assessing nutrition knowledge and attitudes.
Results: The intervention group experienced significantly greater weight loss (2.23 kg vs. 1.52 kg; p = 0.045), reduced fat mass (–3.21%; p = 0.002), increased muscle mass (+3.55%; p < 0.001), and higher protein intake (+8.53 g; p = 0.007). Nutrition knowledge improved significantly (p = 0.003), though attitude changes were not statistically different between groups.
Conclusion: Ramadan fasting combined with balanced nutrition education is more effective for weight loss and improving body composition than fasting alone. The intervention also enhanced nutrition knowledge and supported healthier eating behaviors in obese university students.
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