According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 study of 150 healthy college students found that one week of Ramadan fasting resulted in an average weight loss of 6.62 kg (14.6 pounds) and significant improvements in body shape measurements like waist-to-height ratio and body roundness index. Students also reported notably lower stress levels after fasting, suggesting benefits beyond physical weight loss.
A new study of 150 college students found that fasting during Ramadan led to real changes in their bodies and minds. Students lost weight, their body shape measurements improved, and they reported feeling less stressed after just one week of fasting. The research also showed that fasting changed eating and sleeping patterns. While the results are promising for healthy young adults, scientists note that more research is needed to understand how these changes affect people over longer periods and whether the benefits last after Ramadan ends.
Key Statistics
A 2026 prospective cohort study of 150 healthy university students found that one week of Ramadan intermittent fasting reduced average body weight from 69.25 kg to 62.63 kg, representing a loss of approximately 6.62 kg (14.6 pounds).
According to research reviewed by Gram, the same 2026 study of 150 students showed waist-to-height ratio decreased from 0.481 to 0.45 and body roundness index dropped from 1.84 to 1.06 during one week of Ramadan fasting.
A 2026 cohort study of 150 college students demonstrated that Ramadan intermittent fasting significantly reduced stress levels among participants, with students also experiencing decreased sleep duration (from 8 hours to 6 hours) and reduced meal frequency (from 3 meals to 1 meal daily).
Research from a 2026 study of 150 healthy students found that body adiposity index, conicity index, and weight-adjusted-waist index showed no significant changes during one week of Ramadan fasting, despite significant reductions in overall weight and body roundness.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How one week of Ramadan fasting affects college students’ body weight, body shape, daily habits, and stress levels
- Who participated: 150 healthy university students between ages 18 and 40 who participated in Ramadan fasting
- Key finding: Students lost an average of 6.62 kg (about 14.6 pounds) in one week, their waist-to-height ratio decreased significantly, and their stress levels dropped noticeably
- What it means for you: If you’re a healthy young adult considering Ramadan fasting, research suggests you may experience weight loss and feel less stressed. However, these changes happened over just one week, and it’s unclear if they continue long-term or if the weight returns afterward
The Research Details
Researchers followed 150 college students and measured their bodies and asked about their habits at two time points: one week before Ramadan fasting began and immediately after one week of fasting. This type of study, called a prospective cohort study, is useful because it tracks the same people over time to see what changes happen. The students answered questions about their daily routines, sleep, meals, and stress levels through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Researchers also took physical measurements including weight, height, and waist circumference to calculate several different body shape measurements beyond just BMI (body mass index).
The study measured multiple body composition indicators because different measurements tell different stories about body shape and health. For example, waist-to-height ratio focuses on belly fat distribution, while body roundness index looks at overall body shape. By measuring several indicators, researchers could get a more complete picture of how fasting affected students’ bodies.
This approach is stronger than just weighing people because it captures different aspects of body composition that matter for health. The timing of measurements—right before and right after one week of fasting—allowed researchers to see immediate effects, though it doesn’t tell us what happens weeks or months later.
Understanding how fasting affects young, healthy people is important because most previous research focused on disease prevention rather than what happens to normal body measurements. This study fills a gap by looking specifically at body shape changes and lifestyle factors during fasting. The findings matter because they help us understand whether fasting is actually changing body composition or just temporarily reducing water weight. Additionally, measuring stress levels alongside physical changes shows that fasting may have mental health benefits, not just physical ones.
This study has several strengths: it measured multiple body composition indicators rather than relying on just one measurement, it used standardized measurement techniques, and it collected data at specific time points. However, the study also has limitations worth noting. The sample included only healthy young adults, so results may not apply to older people, those with health conditions, or people taking medications. The study only tracked changes over one week, which is a very short timeframe. There was no control group (people who didn’t fast) for comparison, so we can’t be completely sure the changes were caused by fasting rather than other factors like increased awareness of health during Ramadan.
What the Results Show
Students experienced significant weight loss during the one-week fasting period, dropping from an average of 69.25 kg to 62.63 kg—a loss of about 6.62 kg (14.6 pounds). This weight loss was accompanied by improvements in two key body shape measurements: waist-to-height ratio decreased from 0.481 to 0.45, and body roundness index dropped from 1.84 to 1.06. These changes suggest that students lost weight and their body shape became less rounded, which typically indicates loss of overall body fat.
Interestingly, not all body measurements changed significantly. Other indices like conicity index, weight-adjusted-waist index, and body adiposity index showed no meaningful differences. This suggests that while overall weight and certain body shape patterns changed, the distribution of fat in specific areas may not have shifted as dramatically in just one week.
Beyond physical changes, students reported significant improvements in mental health. Stress levels decreased noticeably after the fasting week. This mental health benefit is important because stress reduction can have positive ripple effects on overall health, including better sleep quality and healthier eating choices.
The study revealed important changes in daily lifestyle patterns. Students slept less during the fasting week (6 hours versus 8 hours before fasting), which is expected since Ramadan fasting involves waking before dawn and eating after sunset. The number of meals per day dropped from 3 to 1, reflecting the fasting schedule. Despite sleeping less and eating fewer meals, students reported feeling less stressed, which is somewhat surprising and suggests that the spiritual or social aspects of Ramadan may contribute to mental health benefits beyond just the physical act of fasting.
Previous research has examined whether Ramadan fasting helps prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease, but this study adds new information by focusing on immediate body composition changes in healthy young people. The weight loss findings align with what we’d expect from calorie restriction, but the study goes further by measuring specific body shape changes rather than just overall weight. The stress reduction finding is particularly interesting because it hasn’t been extensively studied in relation to Ramadan fasting, and it suggests benefits beyond physical health.
This study has several important limitations. First, it only lasted one week, so we don’t know if the weight loss continues throughout the full month of Ramadan or if weight returns after fasting ends. Second, there was no comparison group of people who didn’t fast, so we can’t be completely certain that fasting caused these changes rather than other factors like increased health awareness or seasonal changes. Third, the study only included healthy young adults aged 18-40, so results may not apply to children, older adults, or people with health conditions. Fourth, the study relied on self-reported information about stress and lifestyle, which can be less accurate than objective measurements. Finally, the study didn’t track what students ate during their eating windows, so we don’t know if they consumed more calories or different types of food during non-fasting hours.
The Bottom Line
For healthy young adults considering Ramadan fasting, research suggests you may experience weight loss and stress reduction during the fasting period. However, these findings should be viewed as preliminary because the study was short-term and lacked a comparison group. If you have any health conditions, take medications, or have concerns about fasting, consult your doctor first. The stress reduction benefit suggests that Ramadan fasting may have mental health advantages worth considering, but more research is needed to understand long-term effects.
These findings are most relevant to healthy young adults (ages 18-40) considering Ramadan fasting or interested in understanding its effects. The results may also interest people studying intermittent fasting more broadly. However, these findings should NOT be applied to children, pregnant women, people with eating disorders, those with diabetes or other health conditions, or anyone taking medications without first consulting a healthcare provider.
The weight loss and stress reduction observed in this study occurred within one week of fasting. However, it’s unclear whether these benefits continue throughout a full month of Ramadan or persist after fasting ends. Realistic expectations should account for the possibility that some weight may return after normal eating resumes, and longer-term studies are needed to understand sustained effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can you lose during Ramadan fasting?
A 2026 study of 150 healthy students found average weight loss of 6.62 kg (14.6 pounds) in just one week of fasting. However, this short-term result doesn’t indicate whether weight loss continues throughout a full month or if weight returns after fasting ends.
Does Ramadan fasting reduce stress?
Yes, according to a 2026 cohort study of 150 college students, stress levels significantly decreased after one week of Ramadan fasting. The study suggests mental health benefits alongside physical changes, though the mechanism isn’t fully understood.
What body measurements change during Ramadan fasting?
A 2026 study found that waist-to-height ratio and body roundness index improved significantly during one week of fasting, but other measurements like body adiposity index and conicity index showed no significant change, suggesting selective effects on body composition.
Is Ramadan fasting safe for everyone?
This study only included healthy young adults aged 18-40, so results don’t apply to children, pregnant women, older adults, or people with health conditions. Anyone with medical concerns should consult their doctor before fasting.
How long do the weight loss benefits from fasting last?
The 2026 study only measured changes over one week, so it’s unknown whether weight loss continues throughout Ramadan or if weight returns after fasting ends. Longer-term research is needed to understand sustained effects.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily weight measurements and waist-to-height ratio (waist circumference divided by height) before, during, and after fasting periods to monitor personal body composition changes. Also log daily stress levels using a simple 1-10 scale to see if you experience the stress reduction observed in this study.
- Use the app to set reminders for consistent meal timing during non-fasting hours, track sleep duration to monitor changes in sleep patterns, and log stress levels throughout the day. This helps you understand your personal response to fasting and identify which lifestyle factors correlate with stress reduction.
- Create a long-term tracking dashboard that compares body measurements and stress levels across multiple fasting periods (if you fast regularly) to see if benefits are consistent or if your body adapts over time. Include notes about meal composition and timing to identify which eating patterns support the weight loss and stress reduction observed in the study.
This research describes changes observed in healthy young adults during one week of Ramadan fasting and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The study was short-term and lacked a control group, so long-term effects and causation cannot be definitively established. Individuals with health conditions, those taking medications, pregnant women, children, and people with eating disorders should consult a healthcare provider before beginning any fasting regimen. Weight loss results are individual and may vary. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.