Results: Subjects were grouped according to age and sex: 35 years
(n = 82, males: 31) and 36–70 years (n = 158, males: 127). There were significant
reductions in weight and BMI (P < 0.001) in almost all subjects,
with the biggest being in males 35 years [2.2% (SE 2.2%), P < 0.001].
Waist and hip circumferences fell in most subjects, except females aged
36–70 years. Fat mass fell in most subjects, ranging from 2.3% to 4.3%
from baseline, except in females aged 36–70 years who did not experience a
significant change. Fat-free mass was significantly reduced in all subjects
(P < 0.001), whereas percentage body fat was lower only in males by 2.5%
(SE 3.2%) (P = 0.029) in those aged 35 years and by 1.1% (SE 1.5%)
(P < 0.001) in those aged 36–70 years. Dietary intake was similar before
and during Ramadan, except in males whose protein intake fell during
Ramadan (P = 0.032).