The Effect of Ramadan Fasting and Weight-Lifting Training on Plasma Volume, Glucose and Lipids Profile of Male Weight-Lifters

Objective(s) The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting and weight-lifting training on plasma volume, glucose, and lipids profile of male weight-lifter. Materials and Methods Forty male weight-lifters were recruited and divided into 4 groups (n=10 each) and as the following groups: control (C), fasting (F), training (T) and fasting-training (F-T). The T and F-T groups performed weightlifting technique trainings and hypertrophy body building (3 sessions/week, 90 min/session). All subjects were asked to complete a medical examination as well as a medical questionnaire to ensure that they were not taking any medication, were free of cardiac, respiratory, renal, and metabolic diseases, and were not using steroids. Blood samples were taken at 24 hr before and 24 hr after one month of fasting and weightlifting exercise. The plasma volume, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, and lipoproteins were analyzed in blood samples. Results Body weight and plasma volume showed significant (P< 0.05) decrease and increase in the F group (P< 0.05) respectively. Also, a significant reduction was observed in F-T group body weight (P< 0.01). A significant increase was found in FBS level of F group (P< 0.05). The lipid profiles and lipoproteins didn’t change significantly in C, F, T and the F-T groups. Conclusion The effect of Ramadan fasting on body weight and plasma volumes may be closely related to the nutritional diet or biochemical response to fasting.