Senior doctor issues fasting advice after Sharjah jogger faints before iftar

A mountain rescue mission was launched after the man lost consciousness while out with his family

Fasting runners are being encouraged to pace themselves and exercise in the evening, after breaking their fast.

A senior doctor has urged people to only exercise once they have broken their fast, after a man fainted while jogging in the mountains in Sharjah.

The Emirati man, who is in his 30s, was out with his two brothers at the Al Rabi mountain track, in Khor Fakkan, before iftar on Saturday. He passed out after running almost 2km.

Civil Defence and police launched a rescue operation and found the man 290 metres above sea level.

Paramedics also attended the scene to provide medial care.

He was placed on a stretcher and transferred by ambulance to Khor Fakkan Hospital for treatment.

Dr Marwan Hawari, director of medical administration at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai, urged people who are fasting to listen to their bodies during Ramadan and only exercise after breaking their fast.

“Exercising while fasting can lower blood sugar levels and dehydrate the body which can cause fatigue, exhaustion and loss of consciousness,” said Dr Hawari.

Dr Hawari said the best time to exercise is two hours after iftar.

“The energy and fluids levels will be restored after iftar so it’s highly recommended to exercise two hours after breaking the fast to avoid any health problems,” he said.