Dehydration : 

Dehydration is a common occurrence during a fast. The body continues to lose water and salts through breathing, sweat and urine; the quantity of water loss will vary depending on the weather, how much you had to drink before your fast, the degree of physical exertion and the ability of the kidneys to retain water and salts. Prevention is always better than cure. However, if you do not adequately rehydrate before a fast, your risk of dehydration is increased.

Depending on the severity of the dehydration, you may experience a general feeling of being unwell, lethargy, muscle cramps, dizziness, disorientation and even collapse or faint.

If you are unable to stand up due to dizziness, or you are disorientated, you should urgently rehydrate with regular, moderate quantities of water, ideally with sugar and salt.

If you faint due to dehydration, your legs should be raised above your head by others, and when you wake up, you should urgently rehydrate as outlined above.

Headache : 

This is a common problem with many possible causes e.g. dehydration, hunger, inadequate rest etc.  Consuming Suhoor with adequate fluids and, if necessary, taking a dose of painkillers such as paracetamol, may either prevent or reduce the risk of a severe headache. Headaches can also be prevented by sensible measures such as not exposing oneself to direct sunlight, wearing a hat when out, using sunglasses to reduce the effect of glare from the sun and relieving any tense muscles with a short, gentle massage.

Stress: 

The sum of a lack of food and water, changes in routine and shorter sleeping time increases stress levels. Hence, it is important to address any potential sources of stress in order to minimise harm. This can be helped by not taking on more than you can reasonably handle, not playing sports in the hot sun, keeping anger in check and abstaining from smoking.

Obesity : 

For the unwary, or less cautious, food consumed during Suhoor or Iftar may lead to some unintended weight gain. Obesity is an epidemic in the making with numerous complications.

Constipation : 

This is often exacerbated by dehydration. Include fruit and vegetables in the diet, increase fiber intake, be active etc. If the problem persists, a short course of bulk laxatives may be prescribed.