With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, many Muslims who are taking injectable weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy have questions about how to manage their treatment while fasting. As both a spiritual and physical journey, Ramadan requires careful planning for those using these GLP-1 medications.
Taking weekly semaglutide or tirzepatide injections during Ramadan brings unique challenges. You’ll need to think about not just when to take your medication, but how to work with your changed eating schedule while staying committed to both your health and spiritual goals. It’s a balance many patients manage successfully with the right preparation.
Islamic scholars and medical experts agree that necessary medications, including weight loss injections, don’t break your fast. These medications are considered essential and fall under the same religious guidance as other vital medical treatments.
However, many people still worry about the timing of their injections and whether they might affect their fast. The good news is that because Mounjaro and Wegovy are weekly injections rather than daily medications, they’re actually easier to manage during Ramadan than many other treatments.
Depending on your usual schedule, you can time your injection during non-fasting hours, either after sunset (iftar) or before dawn (suhoor). This can help minimise any side effects, like nausea or stomach upset.
Fasting during Ramadan in 2025 will involve refraining from eating or drinking from dawn until sunset. This can be especially challenging for those who are also taking weight loss injections such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Saxenda.
Studies have already been conducted with these medications during Ramadan, as GLP-1 medications were originally developed for type 2 diabetes. A look at oral semaglutide can also provide valuable insights for those using injectable medicines for weight loss. Research suggests injecting when breaking your fast at Iftar and using the time during Maghrib prayer (about 30 minutes) before eating.
The change in eating patterns can be particularly complex in South Asian communities, where traditional iftar and suhoor meals are often rich in carbohydrates and fats. While these foods are an important part of cultural celebrations, they can work against the appetite-suppressing effects of your medication.
GLP-1 medications can actually help manage hunger during fasting hours, as many patients report feeling less hungry during the day, making it easier to maintain their fast. However, you should stay mindful of portion sizes during non-fasting hours – the medication’s effects might make you feel full quickly during iftar, but eating too little could leave you without enough energy for the next day’s fast.
During non-fasting hours, the key is to focus on a balanced diet and nutrient-rich meals that will sustain you through your next day’s fast. This becomes even more important when taking GLP-1 medications since your appetite signals may be different from what you’re used to.
Start breaking your fast with a protein-rich meal or smoothie rather than diving straight into traditional sweet treats. This helps stabilise your blood sugar and prevents the energy crashes that can come from high-carb foods. Good options include grilled chicken, fish, or a protein shake blended with fruits.
Remember to stay hydrated throughout your eating hours. While it might be tempting to drink large amounts of water all at once, try to space out your fluid intake between iftar and suhoor. Include electrolyte-rich drinks and water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon in your meals.
Quick tips for meal planning to keep your weight loss goals:
While observing Ramadan, be realistic about exercise and activity levels. Starting a new exercise programme during Ramadan isn’t recommended, so instead, you should focus on maintaining your current levels of activity safely. This might mean adjusting your usual workout time to a few hours after iftar when you have more energy and are well-hydrated.
Light to moderate exercise like evening walks, gentle stretching, or modified versions of your usual workouts, can help you stay active without pushing your body too hard during fasting hours. Many people find that working out about two hours after iftar works best, as their bodies have had time to digest and replenish fluids.
Don’t be disheartened if you find that your usual exercise routine needs to change during this month, as making temporary adjustments to your activity levels won’t harm your long-term weight loss efforts. Remember, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, and finding the right balance between physical activity and rest is part of taking care of your overall well-being.
The decision to stop taking Wegovy or Mounjaro during Ramadan is a personal one that should be made with a healthcare professional. While these medications can be safely continued during fasting, some people may find the adjustment challenging.
If you experience significant side effects or dehydration while fasting, it may be best to temporarily stop using the weight loss injections until after Ramadan. Common signs that you might need to pause your medication include severe nausea, excessive fatigue, or difficulty staying hydrated during non-fasting hours.
However, keep in mind that stopping and restarting these medications isn’t as simple as taking a month-long break. You may need to restart at a lower dose and work your way back up, which could affect your weight management progress. Always speak with your GP or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication schedule.
Maintaining weight loss during Ramadan while taking weight loss injections requires a combination of mindful eating, staying hydrated, and incorporating physical activity. Listen to your body, be aware of any potential side effects, and prioritise your health throughout this holy month.
Remember to check in regularly with how you’re feeling. Managing your medication timing, drinking plenty of water during non-fasting hours, and finding the right balance between food and exercise may take some adjustment in the first few days.
If you’re a Click2Pharmacy patient who is prescribed weight loss treatments, our pharmacy team is available by email to answer any questions you have about managing your medication during Ramadan.
