Improved serum HDL cholesterol profile among Bangladeshi male students during Ramadan fasting.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on serum lipids of 20 healthy males in Bangladesh were assessed. Anthropometric parameters and blood lipids were measured 1 day before Ramadan, day 26 of Ramadan and 1 month after Ramadan. Body weight and body mass index decreased significantly during Ramadan compared with before and after Ramadan. Fat intake was significantly higher during Ramadan than after. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased significantly during Ramadan. Other lipids were not significantly different. Regression analysis of Ramadan HDL cholesterol levels indicated positive association with pulse rate and fat intake and negative association with systolic blood pressure and weight loss. The findings indicate improved HDL cholesterol profiles during Ramadan.