Is Ramadan fasting the same as intermittent fasting?

No, they're similar but not the same. Both involve not eating for part of the day. Ramadan fasting, though, also means no water, runs from dawn to sunset for a whole month, and is an act of worship with spiritual goals. Intermittent fasting is a diet plan where water and black coffee are usually allowed and the timing is up to you.

The purpose is different

Intermittent fasting (IF) is usually about weight loss, energy or metabolic health. Ramadan is about getting closer to Allah:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." Quran 2:183

That's why a Ramadan fast includes your behaviour too. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1903). Skipping breakfast doesn't come with that kind of inner work.

Key practical differences

Water: IF usually allows water, tea and black coffee. In Ramadan, nothing passes the lips from dawn to sunset.
Timing: IF windows like 16:8 can be set by you. Ramadan follows Fajr and Maghrib, so the length changes with the season and your location. See What time do I start and stop fasting in Ramadan?
Other things: Ramadan also excludes smoking and intimacy during the day.
Length: Ramadan lasts a month; many people do IF all year round.
Exemptions: Islam excuses the sick, travellers, pregnant women and others, who make up the days or give food instead.

Where they overlap

Both give your digestive system a long break, and many people find their sleep, cravings and focus change. Research on IF has looked at benefits like better blood sugar control, and some studies on Ramadan show similar effects, though dehydration is a risk Ramadan fasters need to manage. Muslims also see the health side as a bonus, not the main goal. See What are the benefits of fasting in Islam?

Training while fasting

People doing IF often train fasted in the morning with water. During Ramadan that's harder because you can't drink, so most people move workouts to just before or after iftar and reduce intensity. See How do Muslim athletes fast in Ramadan?

Can non-Muslims try a Ramadan fast?

Yes, and many friends and colleagues join for a day to show support. It's a good way to see the difference for yourself. See Can I fast during Ramadan if I'm not Muslim yet?

Key points

Ramadan fasting includes no water; IF usually allows it.
Ramadan runs dawn to sunset; IF windows are flexible.
Ramadan is worship with spiritual and moral goals.
Both can have health benefits, but Ramadan needs careful hydration.

Tip: If you already do 16:8, practise a few Monday or Thursday fasts with no water before Ramadan. Your body adjusts faster than you'd expect.