THE EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES IN OBESE PEOPLE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Eka Febriyanti, Ratih Yulistika Utami, Emni Purwoningsih

Abstract


Obesity is the forerunner of various metabolic and non-metabolic diseases today. Obesity, which is associated with low-grade inflammatory conditions that are often not recognized, requires special attention. Ramadan fasting, which Muslims observe for 30 consecutive days, has been widely studied for its positive effects on health, including reducing inflammatory conditions in the body. This review aims to assess the impact of Ramadan fasting on inflammatory cytokines in obese patients from various existing studies. All English language papers in the PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched using keywords such as Ramadan fasting, inflammation, cytokine,  and obesity from 2021 to 2025. Six studies were included in this review. Data extraction was conducted based on the main data of the studies; the primary outcomes of the analysis were mean changes in inflammatory cytokines levels during the holy month of Ramadan in fasted subjects. Ramadan fasting was proven to reduce inflammatory cytokines not only in people who are obese but also in people with normal nutritional status. It showed that fasting during Ramadan can prevent metabolic and non-metabolic complications. Carrying out Ramadan fasting has a good effect on health.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3059/insis.v0i0.23603

DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.3059/insis.v0i0.23603.g12948

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