Every Ramadan we hear the same promise: "this is my chance to lose weight." Science has actually studied this — and the result surprises in both directions.
What did the studies find?
A meta-analysis covering dozens of studies in healthy adults found that Ramadan fasting reduces weight by an average of 1.24 kg by the end of the month (1.51 kg in men and 0.92 kg in women)[1]. In people with overweight and obesity specifically, the LORANS study and its meta-analysis found a reduction of about 1.34 kg with reduced fat mass[2].
The problem: what happens after Eid?
The same meta-analysis followed participants two to six weeks after Ramadan and found the difference from baseline had shrunk to just 0.27 kg[1] — meaning roughly 80% of the Ramadan loss returns quickly.
end of Ramadan
after Eid
that returns
Why does the weight return?
Because the loss came from a "narrowed eating window", not from new habits. After Eid the window reopens, and with it the pastries, desserts and gatherings — with no real change in awareness of what we eat.
How to make the Ramadan gain last
- Don't compensate for fasting with sugar: an iftar that begins with three courtesy luqaimat then a full plate can erase your entire daily deficit.
- Monitor during Ramadan itself: log your iftar and suhoor honestly — you'll discover that Ramadan drinks (qamar al-din, tamarind, juices) are a calorie category of their own.
- Plan for after Eid before Eid: the six weeks after Ramadan are the real battle by the study's own text[1] — set one simple goal there: hold the number, don't push further down.