People taking weight-loss medications in Bahrain can enhance the benefits of fasting during Ramadan if the treatment is properly managed, according to leading doctors in the kingdom.
To achieve optimal results, patients should adopt smart habits, such as breaking the fast with light, nutritious meals, avoiding heavy carbs and fried foods, and staying well-hydrated.
“As millions of Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, those using popular weight-loss medication like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and semaglutide (Wegovy) (known as GLP-1 agonists), may be wondering about their options,” Consultant Endocrinologist Ebtihal Alyusuf told the GDN.
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, often referred to as ‘weight loss injections’ or ‘skinny jabs’.
They work by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite.
“Recent studies published in late 2025 and early 2026 show that these medications are not only safe to use during the holy month, but may also enhance the weight-loss benefits of fasting,” she added.
Dr Alyusuf pointed to a study from Bangladesh, which followed 109 patients taking tirzepatide.
Participants lose an average of 5.3kg over the month – a 6.3 per cent drop from their starting weight.
“While individual results vary, the findings show that structured fasting combined with appetite-regulating therapy can improve outcomes when medically supervised,” she said, noting that these medications do not interfere with fasting.
“The injection contains no calories and does not invalidate the fast form.”
The main concern during Ramadan, she explained, is hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), particularly for people with diabetes.
“This is where GLP-1 drugs have major advantage over older medications,” she said.
Unlike traditional diabetes pills that force the pancreas to release insulin regardless of blood sugar levels, GLP-1 agonists work in a glucose-dependent way, making dangerous drops in blood sugar far less likely.
Dr Alyusuf added that these weekly injectable medications reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, improve insulin sensitivity, and help regulate blood glucose.
“By slowing digestion and reducing hunger, they can help with portion control at iftar. But they may also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which can feel more intense during fasting hours.”
She stressed that doctors should avoid starting the medications just before Ramadan and postpone any planned dose increases until after the holy month.
“Patients should keep their usual injection day, preferably after iftar, when hydration is easier and nausea can be better managed,” she said.
Although Arabian Gulf University assistant professor in internal medicine, consultant internal medicine, endocrine, diabetes, obesity and metabolism Shaima Ali Alnashaba also highlighted that GLP-1 RAs reduce hunger and increase fullness, leading to a lower daily intake, she emphasised that some patients can ‘rebound eat’ at iftar.
This is particularly true when meals are calorie-dense and consumed quickly, which can cause spikes in blood sugar from concentrated carbohydrates.
“Hydration is essential, with a strong focus on fluids between iftar and suhoor,” she said, advising that meals should be smaller and eaten more slowly, while very fatty meals should be avoided and protein and fiber prioritised to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and preserve lean muscle.
She added that for safety, the fast should be broken if there is symptomatic hypoglycemia, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or signs of dehydration.
“For patients with diabetes, that physicians should encourage structured glucose monitoring, particularly for those also taking insulin or sulfonylureas, and adjust these medications as needed rather than stopping GLP-1 therapy by default.”
A new weight loss medication was recently launched in Bahrain as part of efforts to take the country’s rising obesity rates, which affects around 40pc of the population.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a prescription drug approved for long-term weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
Unlike drugs such as Ozempic, which is approved solely for treating type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management in individuals who are overweight or obese, regardless of whether they have diabetes.
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