Ramadan and Energy Expenditure Study (RAMEE)

Imperial College London Diabetes Centre

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Energy Expenditure During Ramadan Fasting

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02696421

IREC 022

Details and patient eligibility

About

Ramadan fasting entails abstinence from eating and drinking between dawn and sunset. During this month major changes in meal times and patterns, sleeping times and activity occur. Starvation is known to lead to a compensatory reduction in energy expenditure. However, the Ramadan fast is not synonymous with starvation as it involves intermittent periods of fasting followed by gorging. People who fast during Ramadan feel less energetic. However, little is known about the effects of this religious practice on energy metabolism. .

The aim of this study is to assess energy dynamics before and/or after and during Ramadan fasting in non-obese participants. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), thermic effect of food (TEF), active energy expenditure (AEE) and total energy expenditure (TEE) in free-living conditions will be measured . Indirect calorimetry will be used to assess RMR and TEF, doubly labeled water will be used to measure TEE and activity monitors will measure physical activity. In addition, body composition analysis will be performed by bio-electrical impedance. Blood sample will be taken to exclude medical factors affecting energy metabolism.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 70 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Willing to participate.
• Age (18-70) years.
• BMI (20-30 kg/m2).
• Physically and mentally healthy.
• Consent form signed.

Exclusion criteria

• Any patients with significant health problem.
• Pregnant and lactating females.
• Smokers.
• Consumption of caffeine before tests.
• Patients who have had vigorous exercise for the last 12 hours before visit.
• Patients with diabetes treated with drugs known to alter the metabolic rate.
• Patients who had bariatric surgery.
• Patients with eating disorders.
• Patients with conditions known to affect energy expenditure
• Patients on medication know to alter EE (Thyroxine, anti-thyroid drugs, certain cold remedies)

Trial design

200 participants in 3 patient groups

Non diabetic, non obese

Non diabetic obese

Diabetic