Medical experts in the UAE are urging patients using GLP-1 therapies to seek professional advice before fasting during Ramadan, warning that improper management could pose health risks. They stress that Ramadan should support both spiritual and physical wellbeing, not push the body into medical danger.
GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, are increasingly prescribed for weight loss and metabolic health. As their use rises across the country, specialists say many patients underestimate how these treatments interact with prolonged fasting, particularly in the early days of Ramadan when eating and hydration patterns change significantly.
Dr Yousef Said, Medical Director at Metabolic Health, described GLP-1 therapy as a complex clinical treatment that requires careful dose adjustment, baseline metabolic assessment and ongoing monitoring. He cautioned against using the medication casually or as a way to make fasting easier, warning that doing so without medical supervision can lead to muscle loss, unstable blood sugar levels and potentially serious side effects.
Timing of medication is a key consideration during the holy month. For weekly injectable medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, Dr Said advises administering the dose shortly after iftar, once the body has been rehydrated and food consumed. This timing may help reduce common side effects such as nausea. Taking injections at suhoor is generally discouraged, as gastrointestinal discomfort could occur during fasting hours when fluids are not permitted.
For patients taking oral semaglutide, suhoor is typically the preferred time, since the tablet must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and followed by at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Another option is later in the evening after Taraweeh prayers, provided there has been a gap of two to three hours since the last meal.
Dr Said highlighted the increased risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly for patients who use GLP-1 therapies alongside insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs. Clinicians often adjust medication schedules and intensify glucose monitoring during Ramadan to prioritise safety.
While some patients report reduced hunger during fasting hours, doctors note that the first few days can bring fatigue as the body adapts to compressed eating windows. Preserving muscle mass is also a concern. “There is a natural risk of muscle breakdown during Ramadan,” Dr Said said, emphasising the importance of balanced, protein-rich meals at both suhoor and iftar.
Hydration remains critical. Reduced thirst linked to GLP-1 use can lead patients to drink too little between sunset and dawn. Doctors recommend steady fluid intake through the evening and breaking the fast with water and electrolytes before consuming lean protein and complex carbohydrates.
Severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness or blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL are warning signs that require breaking the fast and seeking medical attention. Dr Said stressed that fasting is not appropriate for everyone on GLP-1 medication and that a pre-Ramadan consultation is essential. “In Islam, health takes precedence,” he said, adding that patient safety must remain the priority throughout the holy month.
