Fasting and medication: what you need to know
Many people fast for various reasons, including diet plans, medical procedures, or religious reasons such as Ramadan.
Whatever your reason for fasting, if you take medication, you must seek advice before you fast from a healthcare professional so that you can manage your medication correctly and safely.
If you plan to fast, you must ensure your health is not at risk.
What is fasting?
Fasting is when you stop eating and, in some cases, drinking for a period of time. Fasts typically last between 12 and 24 hours; however, depending on the reason for fasting, this can vary, and sometimes, they can last for days.
Sometimes, drinks with no nutritional value, such as black coffee, tea, water and zero-calorie drinks, may be allowed while fasting. However, you might not be able to consume anything orally whatsoever. This depends on the reason you are fasting.
During Ramadan, you won't be allowed to chew gum or smoke.
Why do people fast?
There are several reasons why someone may be fasting. Some people might be following a diet that involves fasting, they could have health or medical reasons, or they might be following their religious beliefs.
Religion
Many religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, practise fasting. For example, Christians can consider Lent fasting as they give up certain foods, such as meat, on a Friday during the Lent period.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They fast daily, typically for 29-30 days in the run-up to Eid. When the sun sets, you can break your fast.
Children, elderly people, pregnant women, those who are travelling, and unwell people are exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
Health reasons
Some medical tests will require you to fast for several hours to make your results as accurate as possible. For other tests, you will be asked to fast for safety reasons, such as tests carried out using a general anaesthetic.
If you are fasting for a medical test, you usually can’t eat or drink anything. However, sometimes water might be allowed.
Tests that require fasting beforehand include specific blood tests, a colonoscopy or a gastroscopy.
Diet
Some diets, such as intermittent fasting, include extended periods without food and can be used to help with weight loss. These types of diets usually have restrictions on the times you can eat.
There are different fasting diets, some more extreme than others. Fasting gives your body a break from digesting food. It can lead to a lower calorie intake, as there will be certain times of the day when you do not consume any food.
However, you must still be mindful of the foods you eat when you break your fast. You won't see any weight loss if you continue to eat high-calorie foods.
Some people choose a diet that includes fasting due to other health benefits, such as heart health, memory boosting, and reducing the risk of diabetes.
What medication is allowed during fasting?
Certain types of medication can still be taken if you’re fasting and will not break your fast, such as:
If a medication provides nourishment or needs to be taken with water, then it will break your fast.
Many Muslims will choose not to consume anything by mouth during Ramadan, including medication. This depends on the individual and is down to their personal choice. However, it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re choosing to alter the way you’re taking your medication to ensure that it’s safe.
Chronic illness
You’re exempt from fasting during Ramadan if you have a chronic illness. Many people with a chronic illness must take medication daily to manage it, for example, medications to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and epilepsy.
Fasting can put those with chronic illnesses at risk of health issues, especially if they are also altering the way they take their medication. In some cases, fasting can make chronic illnesses worse.
Short-term/mild illness
If you find yourself with a short-term illness while fasting, you become exempt on the days you’re unwell until you have recovered. You can make up the days you have missed throughout the year before the next Ramadan.
Short-term illnesses can include colds, the flu, viruses, and headaches. During this time, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest.
If you continue to fast while you’re unwell, this could make you more poorly or take you longer to get better.
Supplements
While fasting during Ramadan, it's advised that you take any vitamins and supplements first before you start your fast or once your fasting is over.
If you take any supplements during your fasting hours, this will break your fast.
Fasting might make it difficult for you to get the correct nutrients your body needs, so it's recommended that you take supplements outside of your fasting hours to ensure you’re getting everything that your body requires.
Weight loss medications and fasting
If you’re taking weight loss medication but need to fast due to your religious beliefs, then it’s essential to understand what weight loss medications you can continue with if you’re fasting.
Injectable weight loss medications are still permitted during Ramadan. However, oral weight loss medications taken during fasting hours may break your fast.
Can you take weight loss injections during fasting?
If you’re taking Mounjaro injection or Wegovy, you can continue taking your regular dose during Ramadan. These weight loss medications are injected, so they will not break your fast. You’re advised to continue taking weight loss injections as usual.
Consider administering your Wegovy or Mounjaro injection after your pre-dawn meal to experience a feeling of fullness throughout the day as the GLP-1 hormone is released into your body.
Weight loss medications may also offer support during fasting hours, preventing unwanted cravings and affecting your appetite signals.
Oral weight loss medications and fasting
If you take oral weight loss medications such as Mysimba or Orlistat, consider pausing them or changing the time of day you take them. If you take your medication during the day, then this must be changed so that you don’t break your fast.
Managing your weight loss medication during fasting requires careful planning. You should talk to your healthcare provider to decide what is best for you.
If you do decide to take a break with your weight loss medication during Ramadan, this is fine. During Ramadan, adults who are obese or overweight are more likely to lose weight and body fat. [1]
When is the best time to take weight loss medications during fasting?
Once you have broken your fast, you can take your weight loss medication. Many people choose to take their weight loss medication as soon as they can break fast.
Orlistat must be taken with food, making it ideal to take as soon as you’ve broken fast. It works as a fat binder, so taking it with your meals is essential. If you don’t, it won’t work. You should still be mindful of the food you consume when you break your fast if you take Orlistat. Try to avoid eating foods that are high in fat.
Mysimba is also recommended to be taken alongside food; this will help reduce the medication's side effects. You should take Mysimba once you can break fast.
What are the best foods to eat when fasting while on a weight loss treatment?
Eating a lot of food immediately after breaking your fast might lead to unpleasant and unwanted side effects. You should also be mindful of the foods you’re eating. To continue making progress, you must remain in a calorie deficit.
When breaking your fast, you should start with small portions so you don’t overwhelm your digestive system.
You should eat foods such as vegetables and carbohydrates. Add a decent amount of protein to your meals, which will help you feel satiated for longer.
When fasting, the first thing to consider is your health. Whatever your reason, you must always ensure you don’t compromise your health.
If you’re taking medication, the first thing you must do is speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to guide you and advise you on whether or not you can take your medication outside of the fast.
