Fasting during Ramadan presents unique challenges for individuals managing their weight management journey with medications such as Mounjaro. If you are currently using Mounjaro during Ramadan, or you are considering starting treatment, it is natural to question how long fasting hours, changes in meal timing, and altered sleep patterns may affect both the safety and effectiveness of your injections.
During Ramadan, daily routines shift significantly. Suhoor and iftar replace regular daytime meals, hydration patterns change, and energy levels can fluctuate. These adjustments may influence how you feel on treatment, particularly if you experience appetite suppression or digestive side effects. Planning when to take your injection, ensuring adequate fluid intake outside fasting hours, and monitoring how your body responds are all important considerations when using Mounjaro during Ramadan.
In this article, we explore the potential risks and benefits of using Mounjaro while fasting, along with practical guidance to help you plan ahead. If you would like personalised advice about your treatment, contact us to discuss your situation or arrange an online consultation with one of our healthcare professionals.
What is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is an MHRA-approved medication designed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes and those looking for effective weight loss solutions. It mimics two hormones:
- GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
- GIP: Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide
These hormones regulate blood sugar and appetite, slowing gastric emptying and reducing hunger. This helps people lose weight more effectively and makes Mounjaro an effective tool to kick-start sustainable weight loss.
Key benefits of the weight loss medication include:
- Suppresses appetite
- Enhances insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cravings
- Promotes sustained weight loss
- Lowers blood sugar levels
Together, these benefits support steadier appetite control, improved metabolic health, and sustainable long-term weight management when used consistently and under medical guidance.
Can You Take Mounjaro While Fasting During Ramadan?
Many people worry that taking an injection while fasting may invalidate their fast. However, essential medical treatments, including weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, are generally considered permissible during Ramadan.
Islamic scholars commonly place non-nutritional injections into the category of necessary medical treatment, meaning they do not break the fast. If your medication is important for your health, you should not feel pressured to stop without proper medical advice.
There are still some practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Weekly injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are often easier to manage than daily medications during Ramadan
- You can keep your usual injection day, as the timing does not need to be linked to meals
- If you feel more comfortable, you may choose to take your injection after iftar
- Always speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether fasting is appropriate for your individual circumstances
With the right guidance and planning, many people are able to continue treatment confidently while observing their fast.

Managing Side Effects While Fasting
Potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Stomach discomfort
- Gastrointestinal changes
To minimise these, you may prefer to schedule your injection during non-fasting hours. Many people choose to take it after iftar, once they have broken their fast and rehydrated, or before suhoor, ahead of the pre-dawn meal. Planning your dose at a time that feels manageable for you can make it easier to stay consistent with treatment while observing your fast.
Mounjaro is administered once weekly as a subcutaneous injection, which means it does not need to be taken with food. However, during Ramadan, eating patterns change significantly. Long fasting hours followed by larger meals at iftar can sometimes make digestive side effects feel more noticeable. Being mindful of portion sizes, hydration, and how your body responds can help you manage treatment comfortably throughout the month.
Effects of Fasting on Blood Sugar Levels
Mounjaro works by keeping blood sugar stable, but during fasting, your body may react differently:
- Risk of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): If combined with other diabetes medications, fasting can lower glucose levels too much
- Digestive Side Effects: Mounjaro can cause nausea, bloating, and slow digestion, which may be aggravated by eating large meals at Iftar
- Dehydration Risks: Since Ramadan requires long fasting hours, Mounjaro’s appetite suppression may cause reduced thirst, leading to dehydration
Who Should Avoid Using Mounjaro While Fasting?
While Mounjaro can be safely used in many cases, some individuals should take extra caution or avoid it altogether:
- Those Prone to Gastrointestinal Issues: Mounjaro can slow digestion, making it difficult to handle large meals after fasting
- Pregnant or Nursing Women: The safety of Mounjaro during pregnancy and lactation is still being studied
- Individuals with Severe Dehydration Risks: If you experience frequent dizziness, weakness, or dehydration while fasting, Mounjaro might not be the best option
Best Practices for Using Mounjaro During Ramadan
If you decide to continue using Mounjaro while fasting, consider the following tips to minimise risks and maximise effectiveness:
1. Adjust Your Injection Timing
The best time to take Mounjaro is at your suhoor, rather than after your iftar. This will help you feel full while the medicine is released throughout the day.
Some consider fasting before Ramadan while using the injection. This can help you assess how your body responds, and so help you manage your medication during the fasting period. It will also give you a guide on how side effects may differ while you fast, and prepare you better for Ramadan.
2. Maintain Balanced Meals
- Iftar: Start with light foods, such as dates, soup, and protein, before consuming complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
- Suhoor: Opt for high-fiber, high-protein meals to keep you fuller for longer.
- Avoid Processed Sugars: Since Mounjaro affects glucose metabolism, steer clear of excessive sweets and refined carbs.
3. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
- Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and yogurt.
- Avoid excessive caffeine, as it can lead to dehydration.
4. Monitor Side Effects
If you feel weak, dizzy, or nauseous, adjust your meal plan. Consult your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms become severe.
What Do Medical Experts Say?
Endocrinologists and diabetes specialists recommend that individuals on GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro discuss fasting with their clinician beforehand.
According to a study published in the Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism Journal, Mounjaro is effective for weight loss but may require dosage adjustments during prolonged fasting.
However, you are more than a statistic in a clinical study. Your lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals all matter. If you are considering using Mounjaro during Ramadan and would like tailored guidance, reach out to our team for personalised support and advice.

How Alternative Weight Management Treatments Compare
Using weight management medication during Ramadan is not limited to one treatment, and each option works slightly differently. While much of the focus is often on Mounjaro during Ramadan, it is important to understand how other medications may fit around fasting, meal timing, and changes in routine. The way a medicine is taken, how often it is used, and its side effect profile can all influence how manageable it feels while fasting.
- Wegovy: A once-weekly injection, similar in routine to Mounjaro, which may be easier to plan around Ramadan due to its fixed weekly schedule.
- Saxenda: A daily injection, meaning timing becomes more important during Ramadan and may require careful consideration around suhoor or iftar.
- Nevolat: A tablet taken once daily that works by helping regulate appetite, which may be more convenient for those who prefer not to use injections during fasting.
- Orlistat: A capsule taken with meals that works by reducing fat absorption, making it directly linked to when you eat and potentially easier to manage during non-fasting hours.
Because these medications differ in how they are administered and how they affect appetite and digestion, the best approach during Ramadan will depend on your individual health needs and lifestyle. Speaking to a healthcare professional before making changes can help ensure you continue your weight management journey safely while observing your fast.
FAQs
Yes, fasting may enhance weight loss due to caloric restriction, but it can also lead to muscle loss and dehydration if not managed properly.
It depends on how well you tolerate it. If fasting makes you feel too weak, nauseous, or dehydrated, consider skipping Mounjaro during this period or adjusting your dosage under medical supervision.
Yes, since it suppresses appetite, it may help you control portion sizes, reducing the risk of post-fasting binge eating.
Diabetics should consult their doctor before fasting while on Mounjaro, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia or dehydration.
- Increase Protein Intake: Helps maintain muscle mass while fasting.
- Stay Hydrated: Essential for preventing weakness and dizziness.
- Exercise Smartly: Engage in light workouts after Iftar instead of intense activities.
- Mindful Eating: Avoid fried, sugary, and processed foods.
Using Mounjaro Responsibly During Ramadan
Mounjaro can be safe and effective for weight loss during Ramadan, but only if used responsibly. If you choose to continue using it while fasting, ensure you:
- Take it at the right time (preferably at suhoor).
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
- Monitor side effects closely and consult a doctor if needed.
Fasting while on Mounjaro requires careful planning and medical guidance to ensure it remains safe and beneficial for your weight loss journey.
If you’re a patient with The Care Pharmacy who is prescribed weight loss treatments, our clinicians are here to help. Feel free to email us at info@thecarepharmacy.com with any questions about managing your medication during Ramadan, or contact us online.
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This blog was updated in collaboration with Pharmacy Mentor on 18/02/2026.
Medically reviewed by
Mohammed Lakhi
Superintendent Pharmacist