Ramadan 2026 Fasting Tips with GLP-1 Medication

Next week marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a period of fasting, prayer and reflection for the Muslim community.

Embarking on Ramadan while managing weight loss with GLP-1 agonist medications may feel challenging. And GLP-1 medications are relatively new treatments, so this might be the first time you’re using them over Ramadan.

So, if you use medications like Saxenda, Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss, this article is for you.

With a few mindful adjustments and the right dietary choices, you can observe this period safely. It will help you meet your health goals and sustain your energy levels through the daylight hours.

Can I Use a GLP-1 While Fasting Over Ramadan?

You can keep using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro, while fasting over Ramadan. So, if you’re wondering ‘can I take Mounjaro over Ramadan’ or ‘is Wegovy allowed during Ramadan’, the answer is yes.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are designed to help you feel fuller for longer, even when you eat less. This makes them ideal for people with type 2 diabetes (because they help control blood sugar levels) and for people looking to lose weight.

When using GLP-1 medications, it’s important to prioritise your health – both during Ramadan and beyond. If you break your fast due to illness, as per Islamic guidelines, missed fasts can often be compensated later. Make sure you listen to your body as exhaustion can lead to stress on both the body and mind.

By following the advice below, you should find it easier to complete your fasting safely during Ramadan.

Should I Pause or Continue Using GLP-1s?

The first thing you should consider is whether or not to continue using the medication while you fast.

Some people choose to take a pause from their medication while observing Ramadan. However, if you stop the medication, your appetite and food noise will gradually return back to previous levels.

After a period of appetite suppression on GLP-1s, this hunger may feel even stronger than before. This could make fasting more challenging and you could experience weight gain.

You may also notice you are much hungrier than normal when you break your fast. This “rebound hunger” can make it more difficult to choose healthier foods. So you might slip into previous snacking habits. However, using GLP-1s safely can help manage this.

Pausing GLP-1 medication can also be unsafe. When you stop taking your medication, its levels decrease in your body. As a result, the same dosage may be too strong for your system when you restart. This raises the risk of serious side effects.

If you’re thinking about pausing your medication, speak to your healthcare provider. They can guide you on the appropriate next steps.

Tips For Using GLP-1s During Ramadan

Here are a few practical ways to stay safe and comfortable on GLP-1 treatment during Ramadan.

Take It At the Same Time

If you decide to continue your medication over Ramadan, take it consistently. Stick to your prescriber’s directions and take the medication once a week (or once a day if you’re using Saxenda). Take Wegovy and Mounjaro on the same day each week and try to take it at the same time.

Patients can take their medication either before suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) or after iftar (post-sunset meal).

The half-life of GLP-1 medications is around one week. This half-life is the time it takes for the amount of drug in the body to be reduced by one-half. It can take around one to three days for the medication to reach maximum concentration in your body.

So as long as you are taking your injection on the same day each week, at roughly the same time, it will still be as effective.

Avoid Increasing Your Dose

We’d prefer that you stick to your current pre-Ramadan dose strength. It makes it easier to predict how you’ll feel throughout the month.

Increasing your dose during the month of Ramadan can also pose some risks. You might potentially face more of Mounjaro’s side effects when observing fasting. This may be harder to deal with if you’re also moving up a dose (which can also increase your risk of side effects).

Side effects can increase your risk of dehydration, which can cause you to become very unwell.

To help make sure this month is as problem-free as possible, sticking to your current dose will help limit side effects. This will give you more time and energy to focus on your spiritual goals.

If you are thinking of increasing or decreasing your dose – or if you have any queries – your healthcare provider will help you decide the safest option for you.

Watch Out For Low Blood Sugar

GLP-1 medications are “associated with a low risk of hypoglycaemia” (low blood sugar). Fasting can also lower your blood sugar levels. So anyone who fasts while using GLP-1 pens should be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood glucose.

The most noticeable early warning signs of low blood sugar are:

• Feeling hungry
• Trembling or shaking
• Sudden sweating
• Tiredness and dizziness

As your blood sugar drops further, you might experience blurred vision, heightened pulse and palpitations, paleness and tingling lips. Going too long without balancing your blood sugar may lead to confusion and you might even lose consciousness.

If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, break your fast and eat something to help balance your blood sugar. This is especially important if you have any other health conditions.

As the fourth pillar of Islam, fasting in Ramadan is a time of reflection, forgiveness, spiritual discipline and empathising with the less fortunate. So remember, when fasting, there are some exceptions to the rule if it will cause harm. For example, you don’t have to fast if you have long-term medical conditions like diabetes.

It’s important to stay safe and healthy on GLP-1s during Ramadan and assess your risks of side effects. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any doubts or concerns about using your medication at this time. If you’re a patient with us, contact our clinical team, who will help you decide what’s best for you.

Healthy Eating Advice: Ramadan on GLP-1s

If you are using a GLP-1 treatment over Ramadan, continue eating a healthy, balanced diet made up of whole foods. Try to include healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and protein at meal times. Drink plenty of water too.

Where possible, avoid large or calorie-dense meals at both suhoor and iftar. The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications tend to be related to your digestive system. This includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.

Eating a large amount of food will make you much more likely to experience side effects from your medication. So start steady with easier foods and pace yourself throughout the night.

If you are concerned about side effects, or feel they are too much to handle during fasting periods, speak to your doctor, one of our pharmacists or another healthcare professional.

Even if you do not feel hungry, do not skip your suhoor or iftar meals. Make sure you are still eating enough, particularly while your body is undergoing the strain of a fast. Some people may benefit from maintaining the same level of physical activity.

A healthy, balanced diet and staying hydrated between iftar and suhoor will help ensure your bowel habits remain healthy. During this time, many Muslims partake in congregational prayers, which require standing. So drinking water or diluting juice (squash) is a great way to stay replenished.

Ramadan Fasting Tips

These fasting tips should make your fast feel a little more approachable. They’ll set you up for a month of community, self-reflection and deepening your faith.

Begin with a Gentle Iftar

Traditional Ramadan fasting practices typically begin by breaking the fast with a small serving of dates, fruit, and water.

These foods gently raise blood sugar levels, replenish energy and restore hydration after a long period without food or water. A gentle iftar also helps reduce the risk of your stomach reacting poorly to food.

Then you can follow with a small, balanced meal once your stomach has settled.

Pause for Maghrib Prayer

After iftar, many observe a pause for Maghrib prayer. This can allow the body to start digesting and develop natural satiety signals. This mindful break helps control hunger and prevents overeating during the subsequent main meal.

Choose Healthier Cooking Methods

A variety of foods from different cultures are enjoyed during iftar such as crispy pakoras, samosas (fried pastries) and kebabs.

While these foods are tempting, deep-fried foods can be high in unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. This can lead to feelings of sluggishness and digestive discomfort.

Consider alternative cooking methods when preparing food during your eating window. For example, try grilling, baking or air-frying to enjoy these treats with less oil. This way, you can savour your iftar treats and keep your weight loss goals on track.

Embrace Mindful Eating

After hours of fasting, it’s natural to feel eager to eat. However, consuming your meal slowly allows you to appreciate the flavours of your food. It also aids digestion and helps prevent overeating.

This mindful approach can lead to better recognition of your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Even outside Ramadan, learning these cues can help you maintain a healthy gut. This in turn supports your overall well-being.

Stay Hydrated

Between iftar and suhoor, prioritise hydration by drinking plenty of water and consuming hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon.

Coconut water is a great way to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration, among other health benefits. Limit caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.

Key Takeaways

• Keep Your Routine Steady: If you continue your GLP-1 weight loss injections, take it on the same day each week (or daily for Saxenda) so your levels stay consistent and your appetite remains more predictable.
• Avoid Dose Changes Mid-Ramadan: Staying on your pre-Ramadan dose can help reduce side effects and lower the risk of dehydration, making fasting feel more manageable.
• Know When to Break Your Fast: Fasting plus GLP-1s can increase the chance of low blood sugar symptoms (like shaking, sweating, dizziness, palpitations). If these start, it’s safest to break your fast and rebalance.
• Break Fast Gently, Not Heavily: Start iftar with something light (like dates, fruit and water). Eat slowly, then pause, so your stomach isn’t overwhelmed and you’re less likely to feel nauseous or uncomfortable.
• Hydration Is a Night-Time Priority: Drink regularly between iftar and suhoor. Add water-rich foods and go easy on caffeine so you’re less likely to feel unwell during fasted hours.

Ramadan Kareem! And Eid Mubarak when Eid al-Fitr comes.

References

Muslim Aid. (n.d.). Ramadan Rules. [online] Available at: https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/ramadan-rules/.

C. Fookes, BPharm (2019). Drug Half-life Explained. [online] Drugs.com. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/article/drug-half-life.html.

Anderson, J., Gavin, J.R., Kruger, D.F. and Miller, E. (2022). Optimizing the Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes: Executive Summary. Clinical Diabetes, 40(3).doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/cd22-0020.

NHS (2023). Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycaemia). [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-sugar-hypoglycaemia/.

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