How to take Mounjaro or Wegovy during Ramadan

Feb 26, 2025 Weight Loss

Ramadan is expected to start this weekend: the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims don’t eat or drink during daylight hours.

For individuals fasting while on GLP-1 medication like Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), this presents several challenges.

If you’re practicing Ramadan while taking a weight loss pen, this post is for you. From medication timings to breaking your fast, we’ll cover all of your questions and concerns. 

 

Is it safe to take weight loss medication during Ramadan? 

 

Yes, but there are safety considerations to factor in, such as an increased risk of low blood sugar and dehydration. By following this advice, you’ll be in a better position to safely navigate your weight loss medication during Ramadan.

 

Will taking weight loss medication break my fast?

 

According to Islamic Scholars and medical experts, taking weight loss injections does not break your fast as they are considered a necessary medication and do not provide nutritional value. 

A similar ruling on appetite-suppressing medication can be found in this Islamic Q+A article. Additionally, Dr. Zakir Naik discusses the topic in depth.  

However, we recommend consulting your Imam for personalised religious guidance. 

 

Is it safe to temporarily stop using GLP-1 medication during Ramadan? 

 

Yes, you can choose to temporarily stop taking your weight loss medication for Ramadan.

If you find that taking your medication while fasting is too challenging, it is important to listen to your body and understand your limits.

If you experience significant side effects like nausea, excessive fatigue, or difficulty staying hydrated during non-fasting hours, we strongly advise delaying your injections until after Ramadan. Always consult your GP or pharmacist before making any changes to your dosage schedule.

 

Will temporarily stopping my medication during Ramadan affect my weight loss journey? 

 

No, pausing for a month will not disrupt your weight loss progress. Since you’ll also be fasting throughout the month, it’s unlikely that you’ll gain significant weight. Clinical studies have shown that individuals with an overweight or obese BMI lose a significant amount of fat mass due to Ramadan fasting. 

If you choose to temporarily stop your weight loss treatment, you may need to restart at a lower dose:

 

Mounjaro: 

• If you are on a dose of 10mg or higher of Mounjaro, it is likely that we may restart you at 5mg.

• If you are on a dose lower than 10mg of Mounjaro, it is likely that we may restart you at 2.5mg.

 

Wegovy:

• If you are on a dose of 1mg or higher of Wegovy, it is likely that we may restart you at 0.5mg. 

• If you are on a dose lower than 0.5mg of Wegovy, it is likely that we may restart you at 0.25mg. 

 

Always consult your GP or healthcare professional before adjusting your dosage. 

 

What is the best time to take my weight loss injections during Ramadan?

 

It is recommended to take your weekly weight loss injection either after Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or after Iftar (post-sunset meal).

Whatever time you choose, maintain a consistent dosing schedule.

 

How should I manage hydration while fasting? 

 

Hydration is key when taking weight loss medication, especially while fasting.

• Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water during non-fasting hours.

• At least 1 litre between Iftar and bedtime.

• Another 1 litre between waking and Suhoor.

• Consider taking electrolytes to replenish lost fluids and maintain balance.

This will help prevent dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

 

Do I need to change my fitness routine while fasting on weight loss medication? 

 

Exercise is important for weight loss, but you should adjust your routine for safety during Ramadan.

Adjustments:

• Timing: Exercise 2 hours after Iftar rather than while fasting to reduce dehydration risk.

• Intensity: Opt for lighter activities like walks and gentle stretching.

If you feel dizzy, fatigued, or unwell, stop and rest. Reducing intensity temporarily will not negatively impact your weight loss.

 

What foods should I eat during non-fasting times?

 

Balanced and nutrient-rich meals during Iftar and Suhoor will help stabilize blood sugar and provide sustained energy. Some traditional Iftar and Suhoor meals are high in fats and carbohydrates, so balance them with protein and fibre.

✅Protein rich meals like chicken, fish, or legumes.

✅Fibre-rich and nutritious foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

✅Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

✅Complex carbs like oats, brown rice, brown pasta, and whole wheat.

✅Hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon

Stick to moderate portion sizes so that you can eat regularly throughout non-fasting periods

 

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration and low blood sugar? 

 

Dehydration:

• Mild to Moderate: Thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, headache, dry skin, muscle cramps.

• Severe: Extreme thirst, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting.

Low Blood Sugar:

• Early Signs: Shakiness, sweating, hunger, dizziness, fast heartbeat, irritability.

• Severe: Confusion, slurred speech, blurry vision, loss of coordination, seizures, unconsciousness.

If you experience severe symptoms, break your fast immediately and seek medical attention.

 

Where can I find more advice? 

 

Our clinical team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about managing your medication during Ramadan.

📞 Phone: 0208 2623252
📧 Email: info@simplymedsonline.co.uk