weight loss
∙3 minute read
Updated
Updated 20/02/2026. Co-authored by Mohammad Al-Kayani and Shivani Sharma-Savani.
Losing weight and fasting often go together. And if you’re observing Ramadan this year, you’re probably wondering how to balance it with your weight loss efforts.
Let’s take a look.
Weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, so there is growing clinical guidance around their use during Ramadan. While studies suggest that oral medications are typically taken after Iftar, injectable weight loss treatments are different.
Weekly GLP-1 injections do not invalidate the fast, meaning you can continue taking your medication on your usual day and schedule, with or without food. This helps maintain treatment consistency without disrupting your fasting routine.
As fasting can still affect hydration, appetite, and side effects, it is important to keep your clinical team informed. At Numan, we support you through Ramadan with personalised guidance so your treatment stays safe, effective, and aligned with your goals.
Fasting during the day might lead to over indulgence when you stop. Suppressing your appetite with medication should stop this but it’s still important to choose your food wisely if you want to continue losing weight. It’ll be tempting to indulge.
Make sure you enjoy a balanced diet. Don’t skip your pre-dawn meal and choose whole foods containing high amounts of fibre and protein. Buying in advance will help with this. If you want to carry on losing weight, you can’t throw all nutritional value out the window just because you haven’t eaten all day. Instead, be mindful of the nutritional values of the foods you consume in the time frame you do have.
However, forming healthy habits is all down to enjoyment, so don’t be hard on yourself if you enjoy Iftar with an indulgence or two. When it’s over, it won’t hurt to start again.
Your routine changes during Ramadan which may affect weight loss or cause weight gain.
It’s tempting to do less exercise as you’re fasting and that feels like enough. Exercise is vital to weight loss so you won't lose weight at the same rate. Don’t start a new exercise program during Ramadan, as this won’t be sustainable. Focus on maintaining current levels of activity safely, or even doing less depending on how you feel.
Your sleep routine may also change. You might rise for the pre-dawn meal (Suhur) and dawn (Fajr) prayer, whilst you might delay your start to work or work shorter hours. Any change to your routine will impact your shut-eye which is a big part of weight loss.
If you’re worried about taking weight loss medication whilst fasting, you can stop taking it during Ramadan. It won’t harm your long-term goal of losing weight by stopping for a month.
If you’re fasting anyway, you’re unlikely to put on weight in that month. Studies have shown a significant reduction in fat percentage between pre-Ramadan and post-Ramadan in people with obesity. It could even be the kick you need to follow through with your weight loss.1
Alternatively, illness constitutes an exemption from fasting during Ramadan according to the Qur’an. Obesity is classified as a disease, so there is leeway if you think it’ll negatively impact your health. It would be worth talking to your Imam or GP to discuss the options if you’re unsure.
Ramadan could affect your weight loss efforts. But only temporarily. Losing weight isn’t about restriction, it’s about finding healthy habits that’ll stick. Don’t worry about indulging yourself or if you hit the pause button on your medication. Some things are more important. As soon as it’s over you’ll be ready to fight weight once again.
Fernando HA, Zibellini J, Harris RA, Seimon RV, Sainsbury A. Effect of Ramadan fasting on weight and body composition in healthy non-athlete adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):478.
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
Head of Clinical Governance, MBBS, MSc, MRCGP
