Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and devotion, but it also significantly impacts lifestyle habits, especially in terms of diet, exercise, and sleep. Our recent survey found that 84% of people in Indonesia are fasting during this holy month, but with 14% already falling sick, concerns arise about whether they maintain a healthy lifestyle during this holy month.
With 890 sample of respondents, we discovered how Indonesians are managing their health while fasting during Ramadan. Check out the complete result of our study below.
The Impact of Ramadan on Exercise Habits
Maintaining a consistent exercise routine during Ramadan can be difficult due to changes in mealtimes and energy levels. Our study found that only 23% of Indonesians continue exercising daily while fasting, showing that a significant portion still prioritizes fitness despite the challenges. However, 50% of the respondents exercise only occasionally, depending on their mood and physical condition, which suggests that maintaining an exercise habit is difficult when energy levels fluctuate. Meanwhile, 27% completely stop exercising during Ramadan, possibly due to fatigue or the fear of dehydration.
When comparing these numbers to regular months, 28% of Indonesians usually exercise daily, while 50% exercise occasionally, and 25% do not exercise at all. This suggests that while Ramadan does affect exercise habits, many individuals still try to keep up their physical activity, even if it is not as frequent as before.
Eating Habits and Healthy Nutrition During Ramadan
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for those who fast, as the body requires proper nutrition to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
During Ramadan, 47% of Indonesians always follow a healthy eating lifestyle, ensuring that they consume nutritious foods that provide sustained energy. On the other hand, 40% of respondents admit to eating healthy only occasionally, meaning they sometimes indulge in unhealthy meals but generally attempt to maintain a balanced diet. Unfortunately, 10% of respondents frequently consume unhealthy foods and beverages, which can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, digestive issues, and dehydration.
During regular months, 38% of Indonesians follow a strict healthy eating lifestyle, while 50% make an effort to eat healthy most of the time. This shows that fasting increases awareness of the importance of healthy eating, as more individuals actively try to make better dietary choices during Ramadan compared to non-fasting months.
Common Unhealthy Foods and Beverages Consumed During Ramadan
Boy Irvan, Associate Account Director of Snapcart in Jakarta (28/3) said, “Despite many Indonesians attempting to maintain a healthy diet, there are still unhealthy eating habits that persist, particularly when breaking the fast. Our survey revealed that one of the most commonly consumed unhealthy foods is oily meals, such as fried foods, which are favored by 34% of respondents.”
In addition to fried foods, this research also figured out that 32% of Indonesians frequently consume sweet foods and beverages during Ramadan. This may include sugary drinks and desserts, which provide a quick energy boost but often lead to energy crashes later in the day.
Spicy foods, however, are not as widely consumed as fried and sweet foods but still make up 12% of unhealthy food choices.
Fasting Indonesians’ Sleep Patterns During Ramadan
With the changes in daily routines during Ramadan, sleep schedules often become disrupted. Late-night prayers and waking up early for suhoor can result in reduced sleep hours. This research found that 12% of Indonesians sleep less than three hours per night, which can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, decreased concentration, and a weakened immune system.
A significant portion, 38% of respondents, sleep around three to five hours per night. Although this is a slight improvement from those sleeping less than three hours, it is still insufficient for maintaining optimal health. The lack of rest can affect energy levels and make it difficult for individuals to stay active and productive throughout the day.
Meanwhile, 40% of Indonesians manage to get between six to eight hours of sleep per night, which is considered a healthier sleep range. This group is more likely to have stable energy levels and better overall well-being during Ramadan. A small percentage, around 3%, sleep more than eight hours per night, which suggests that they are able to manage their schedules effectively to get enough rest despite fasting.
All in all, the findings from this survey found that while many individuals continue to exercise, eat healthily, and maintain proper sleep schedules, a significant portion still struggles with unhealthy eating habits and insufficient rest.
For more information, contact us at partners@snapcart.global or boy@snapcart.global.
