Variation in body composition during the ramadan fast in athletes following a varied sports training program: intersex variations

Introduction and Objective. Ramadan fasting, characterized by diurnal abstinence from food and water, can significantly impact body composition, particularly in athletes undergoing intense training. This study aimed to evaluate gender-specific variations in body composition among university athletes following a varied sports training program during Ramadan. Methodology. A total of 129 athletes (76 women, 53 men; aged 18-21 years) were assessed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 770) before and during the fourth week of Ramadan. Measurements included fat mass, lean mass, body circumferences, and water parameters under controlled conditions. Results. Male athletes exhibited a significant reduction in body weight (−0.46%, p = .045; Cohen’s 0.21, 95% CI [0.01, 0.41]) and overall fat mass (−4.11%, p = .031; 0.25, 95% CI [0.05, 0.45]), including segmental fat mass, while maintaining lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass. Female athletes showed reductions in hip, abdominal, and arm circumferences, with significant decreases in fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. Both genders displayed a decrease in bone mineral content. Conclusions. The findings highlight distinct metabolic and morphological adaptations between genders during Ramadan fasting, suggesting the need for personalized nutritional and training strategies to optimize performance and health outcomes. However, the absence of a non-fasting control group and the lack of precise dietary and hydration monitoring limit the interpretation of these results.