ISLAMABAD: Ramadan 2026 is set to begin in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, with other countries likely following on Thursday depending on moon sightings.
While fasting during the holy month is a deeply spiritual practice for Muslims worldwide, doctors and medical experts increasingly recognise its potential health and longevity benefits.
Fasting as cellular reset
Daily fasting allows the body to shift from constant digestion to repair mode, promoting cellular renewal and reducing inflammation.
Dr Rahat Ghazanfar, Family Medicine Consultant and Clinical Director at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City’s Longevity Clinic, described fasting as a form of “cellular spring cleaning.”
“After several hours without food, the body switches from using sugar to stored fat,” Dr Ghazanfar told Khaleej Times.
“This shift activates repair processes linked to slower biological ageing.”
She explained that anti-ageing is measured not by appearance, but by internal markers such as blood sugar control, inflammation, muscle and bone health, heart fitness, and hormonal balance.
Time-restricted eating and metabolic health
Ramadan fasting mirrors the pattern of time-restricted eating, which has been shown to improve blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health without extreme calorie restriction.
Dr Ghazanfar added that fasting also influences hormones, lowering insulin levels and boosting growth hormone, while easing chronic inflammation—a major driver of age-related diseases.
However, she cautioned that fasting is not one-size-fits-all. “Age, gender, stress, and health conditions affect outcomes. Excessive fasting, particularly for older adults and women, can lead to fatigue, muscle loss, or hormonal disruption,” she said.
Health adaptations during Ramadan
Fasting has a range of physiological benefits, particularly in the final days of Ramadan. These include:
- Improved metabolism and fat utilisation – The body becomes efficient at burning stored fat, improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.
- Enhanced digestion and gut health – Smaller, nutrient-rich meals support better nutrient absorption and a balanced gut microbiome.
- Detoxification and cellular repair – Autophagy clears damaged cells, reduces inflammation, strengthens immunity, and promotes overall longevity.
- Stabilised energy levels and mental clarity – Adaptation to a fasting rhythm improves focus, energy, and mental alertness.
- Emotional and spiritual well-being – Mindful fasting and prayer reduce stress, improve mood, and foster gratitude.
Dr Nawras Abuhamidah, preventive medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, noted that fasting shifts the body from a constant “fed” state into a repair-focused mode.
“Insulin levels fall and fat oxidation increases. Nutrient-sensing pathways linked to cellular maintenance are activated,” she said.
She emphasised that the most consistent benefits are observed in metabolic and cardiometabolic markers.
Medical advice and lifestyle guidance
Prof Dr Mohammed Rehan Omar, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at the National Medical Center and Life Healthcare Clinics, Karachi, urged pre-Ramadan medical assessments and a focus on a balanced, fibre-rich, low-salt diet.
Speaking at a lecture at the University of Karachi, he highlighted the importance of avoiding dehydration, managing exercise timing, and maintaining physical activity after iftar.
Prof Omar warned that individuals with poorly controlled hypertension, recent heart attacks, severe heart conditions, high-risk arrhythmias, or other serious health issues should avoid fasting unless medically cleared.
Patients with kidney disease may fast under continuous medical supervision.
He also stressed the need for post-Ramadan lifestyle consistency.
“Weight lost during Ramadan is often regained if eating and activity habits are not structured. Sustainable health gains require mindful eating, hydration, and regular exercise,” he said.
Dr Ghazanfar emphasised, “Fasting is a tool, not a test of willpower. When approached mindfully, it supports resilience, metabolic health, and longevity.”
