分类： health

As the UAE commences the holy month of Ramadan, medical and fitness experts reveal how the traditional dawn-to-dusk fasting period can be transformed into an effective weight management strategy rather than a metabolic challenge.

According to Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, Ramadan fasting represents a structured form of time-restricted eating that can serve as a metabolic reset when approached correctly. “The extended fasting hours facilitate decreased insulin levels, enabling the body to utilize stored glucose and fat reserves more efficiently,” Dr. Upadhyay explained. “This provides the digestive system with predictable rest periods, potentially improving gut function and reducing reflux symptoms when meals are properly balanced.”

The medical expert cautioned, however, that these benefits can be quickly negated by common practices. “The therapeutic value of fasting diminishes when followed by calorie overload, excessive sugar consumption, heavy meals, and sleep deprivation,” she noted. Common complaints during Ramadan include acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and even gallbladder symptoms resulting from excessively fatty meals.

Fitness professional Reem Backer emphasizes that Ramadan creates a natural rhythm conducive to building sustainable health habits. “The structured eating windows and calming evenings foster increased bodily awareness,” Backer stated. She advises against extreme approaches, recommending instead consistent, moderate activity. “Short strength sessions, post-iftar walks, or light stretching performed regularly prove more beneficial than intense workouts that lead to exhaustion.”

The growing recognition of Ramadan’s health potential has prompted fitness establishments across the UAE to offer specialized programs. Veo Fitness provides membership discounts of up to 15% for new members and 25% for renewals, while Roar Fitness has developed a six-week body transformation program specifically designed around Ramadan’s unique schedule.

Both experts concur that Ramadan presents a dual opportunity for spiritual reflection and lasting lifestyle improvement. Dr. Upadhyay concludes: “The habits cultivated during this period—mindful portion control, reduced sugar intake, and regular meal timing—can yield health benefits extending far beyond the holy month.”

Medical experts are increasingly recognizing Ramadan’s distinctive fasting pattern as a potential catalyst for healthier aging, moving beyond its traditional spiritual significance. Dr. Rahat Ghazanfar, Family Medicine Consultant and Clinical Director of the Longevity Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, explains that the extended daily abstinence from food enables the body to transition from constant digestion into a repair-focused state.

According to Dr. Ghazanfar, the physiological shift occurs after several hours without food consumption. “When we fast, the body finally gets a break from constant digestion and repeated sugar spikes,” she states. “It switches from using sugar as its main fuel to using stored fat. That shift is important because it activates repair processes inside the body.” This metabolic transition triggers what she describes as cellular “spring cleaning,” where damaged cells are cleared, inflammation reduces, and the body prioritizes repair over continuous growth.

In longevity medicine, aging is measured through internal biomarkers rather than external appearance. Doctors track blood sugar control, cholesterol balance, inflammation levels, muscle strength, bone health, cardiac fitness, and hormonal equilibrium to assess biological aging rates. “From a longevity point of view, anti-ageing really means staying strong, mobile and mentally sharp for as long as possible,” Dr. Ghazanfar emphasizes.

The Ramadan fasting pattern closely resembles time-restricted eating, a clinical approach where food consumption is limited to a specific daily window. This method has demonstrated benefits for blood sugar regulation and inflammation reduction without requiring extreme calorie restriction. “The key message is simple,” notes Dr. Ghazanfar. “Consistency matters far more than intensity.”

Fasting differs fundamentally from simple calorie reduction, as even brief daily fasts activate repair mechanisms that don’t fully engage with continuous small meals throughout the day. “Timing matters just as much as quantity,” she explains, cautioning that chronic restriction can be harmful, particularly for women and older adults.

The practice influences several aging-related hormonal processes. Insulin levels decrease during fasting, potentially protecting against diabetes and age-related diseases, while growth hormone production increases, supporting muscle maintenance and tissue repair. Chronic inflammation, a significant driver of aging and long-term disease, also appears to diminish during fasting periods.

Dr. Ghazanwar stresses that fasting should be viewed as a reset rather than a cure, and its benefits vary significantly among individuals. Factors including age, gender, stress levels, and existing health conditions all influence how someone responds to fasting. Warning signs of counterproductive fasting include persistent fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, dizziness, hormonal disruption, or muscle loss.

While Ramadan provides an annual reset opportunity, lasting benefits depend on maintaining elements of the rhythm beyond the holy month. Simple habits such as avoiding late-night eating, allowing regular breaks between meals, mindful consumption, and prioritizing sleep can help sustain improvements in digestion, blood sugar control, and inflammation reduction.

Ultimately, fasting’s most significant impact appears to be on healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—rather than simply extending lifespan. When approached with awareness and purpose, fasting becomes a long-term ally in maintaining independence, resilience, and mental acuity throughout the aging process.

As Muslim communities worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2026, leading ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi have issued comprehensive guidance for maintaining optimal eye health during the holy month. The period of spiritual reflection brings significant changes to daily routines—including altered sleep patterns, fasting, and extended nighttime activities—that necessitate special consideration for ocular wellness.

Retinal Health Considerations
According to Medical Director Dr. Nicola Ghazi, MD, fasting can potentially enhance metabolic health, creating an opportunity for physical renewal. However, the retina—the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye—requires particular attention for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. While fasting may improve metabolic control, the manner of breaking the fast at Iftar becomes critically important for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

Dr. Ghazi emphasizes that dramatic fluctuations in sugar levels between fasting hours and heavy Iftar meals can adversely affect the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina. This is especially concerning for those with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that threatens vision. The specialist advises against consuming sugary foods when breaking the fast, as they trigger rapid blood sugar spikes that may exacerbate diabetes and increase hunger. Instead, balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats are recommended. A protein-rich Suhoor combined with adequate hydration may help maintain steadier glucose levels throughout daylight hours.

Glaucoma Management Protocols
Dr. Jason Goldsmith, MD, Head of Glaucoma Service, addresses concerns regarding intraocular pressure control during Ramadan. Often termed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma involves elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Dr. Goldsmith stresses that consistent adherence to prescribed treatment remains paramount for glaucoma patients during the fasting period.

Addressing common concerns about medication invalidating fasts, Dr. Goldsmith clarifies that medicated eye drops do not provide nutrition and typically do not break the fast. However, skipping even a single dose can precipitate dangerous pressure spikes. The expert recommends using the “punctal occlusion” technique—applying gentle pressure to the inner eye corner for one to two minutes after administering drops—to minimize systemic absorption. Maintaining treatment consistency is essential to prevent irreversible vision deterioration.

Corneal Hydration Strategies
Dr. George Corrent, MD, PhD, Head of Cornea and Refractive Service, highlights the importance of ocular surface hydration in the arid UAE climate. The cornea, being the eye’s outermost protective layer, becomes vulnerable to dehydration during fasting hours. Reduced bodily hydration levels diminish tear production, leading to symptoms including burning sensations, grittiness, and intermittent blurred vision.

To counteract dehydration-related dry eye syndrome, Dr. Corrent advocates for “pre-emptive hydration”—consuming sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain healthy tear film integrity. For individuals spending prolonged periods in prayer or engaging with digital screens, preservative-free artificial tears can provide supplementary relief. Proper corneal hydration ensures sustained visual clarity and comfort throughout daily activities.

All specialists concur that any sudden visual changes—including vision decrease, new floaters, or shadow-like appearances across the visual field—require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting until Eid celebrations conclude.

Dubai’s mandatory visa medical fitness test has been transformed from a bureaucratic necessity into a premium healthcare experience through the innovative approach of Smart Salem. Under CEO Amanda Gravitis’ leadership since 2022, the company has reengineered what was traditionally a time-consuming administrative process into a seamless 10-minute procedure with guaranteed results within 30 minutes.

The premium service model combines luxury-grade convenience with cutting-edge technology across three strategic locations: DIFC, Dubai Knowledge Park, and City Walk. Clients enjoy valet parking, fully digital experiences, walk-in appointments, and complimentary coffee served by robots while waiting—if they have time to drink it before their accelerated process is complete.

At the technological core of Smart Salem’s operation lies an integrated system of automation, AI, and robotics. Digital check-in systems, automated blood vial conveyor belts, and smart queuing solutions work in concert to ensure unprecedented efficiency. The company has further expanded its diagnostic portfolio to include AI-powered wellness assessments and DNA tests, making advanced preventative healthcare more accessible.

This transformation aligns with Dubai’s D33 vision under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, positioning the emirate as an innovative smart city that sets global standards for government processes. Smart Salem operates in partnership with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Health (DH) to streamline residency visa procedures while reducing administrative burdens.

Beyond visa compliance, the company is leveraging its position as the first healthcare touchpoint for Dubai residents to build a comprehensive preventative healthcare ecosystem. Research indicating that one in ten individuals has never undergone general health check-ups has inspired Smart Salem to offer expanded wellness services during visa medical appointments. Clients can now opt for comprehensive preventative screenings—from allergy tests to gut microbiome analysis—using the same single blood draw and without additional time investment.

Despite rapid expansion that has included two new centers and over twenty additional services since 2022, Smart Salem maintains that its commitment to premium, high-touch experiences remains unchanged. The company’s operational philosophy centers on delivering consistently superior service through technological innovation while preserving the human element of healthcare—proving that government-mandated processes can feel like a privilege rather than a hassle.

Across Abu Dhabi’s fitness landscape, a distinctive pattern emerges during Ramadan as tracks and gyms experience their peak activity during the twilight hours preceding iftar. This two-hour window before sunset has earned the designation ‘golden hour’ among the UAE’s athletic community, becoming the preferred training period for fasting individuals seeking to balance physical conditioning with religious observance.

Fitness professionals identify compelling physiological advantages to pre-iftar workouts. Marcin Kiermasz, endurance athlete and General Manager of Hybrid Studio Abu Dhabi, explains the metabolic benefits: ‘During fasting, insulin levels remain low and glycogen stores become depleted, prompting the body to utilize fat reserves more efficiently. This creates optimal conditions for endurance training and weight management.’

Running communities have systematically adapted their schedules to accommodate this trend. Rohit Kumar, Captain of adidas Runners Abu Dhabi, notes that their community implemented structured Ramadan scheduling in 2022, with this year featuring more deliberate programming. ‘Our two-hour window provides flexibility—fasting members can complete sessions from 5-6 PM and return home for iftar, while others may join later sessions,’ Kumar explains.

The terminology ‘golden hour’ originates from the strategic combination of controlled physical exertion followed by immediate nutritional replenishment. This timing minimizes muscle catabolism while providing psychological relief during the final stretch of the daily fast. Group running sessions now regularly attract 40-50 participants during these pre-iftar hours, significantly outperforming post-iftar training attendance.

Training methodologies vary between pre-and-post iftar sessions. Pre-iftar programming typically emphasizes aerobic conditioning, technique refinement, and foundational fitness development, while post-iftar sessions focus on strength training and performance enhancement. Running coach Fares Al Sawi advises: ‘I prescribe only easy runs of 30-45 minutes before iftar—this approach maximizes fat utilization while accommodating fasting constraints.’

While some athletes experiment with dawn workouts following suhoor, coaches generally caution against intensive morning training due to potential energy depletion throughout the day. The consensus among fitness professionals emphasizes that the golden hour’s popularity stems not from ease of execution but from strategic efficiency—offering fasting athletes the most physiologically sound approach to maintaining fitness during Ramadan.