Despite the daily fasting, Ramadan is notorious for being a month of weight gain. There are many reasons why practicing Muslims often gain, instead of lose, weight during this time. Foremost is that fasting and low activity levels during the day often give way to binge eating at night. Such behavior results in slower metabolic cycles that cause the body to store fat instead of burning it. Additionally, iftar meals — the evening meal served when Muslims break the fast — are traditionally heavy, high in carbohydrates and lacking in nutritional sustenance. In order to maintain a healthy weight throughout the month, Muslims are encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables and protein, and wake up every morning for the suhoor meal, which occurs before sunrise.