Managing Mounjaro During Ramadan

If you observe Ramadan or any other fast and are using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, maintaining proper nutrition is essential. In this blog our experts break down how fasting affects the body and share practical tips for staying on track on your medical weight loss journey.

Overview of Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a medication traditionally prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes but it helps to promote weight loss too by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 and GIP hormones. These hormones are released by your gut after eating to stabilize blood sugar, reduce appetite and curb cravings. Mounjaro is also known by the name of its active ingredient tirzepatide, and is a once-weekly injection administered using a pre-filled pen. [1]

What is Fasting?

Fasting is the practice of not consuming food and drink, or abstaining from certain activities for a set period, it’s often done for health, religious, or personal reasons. One of the most well-known fasts is Ramadan, a month observed by Muslims around the world where they fast from dawn to sunset. The act of fasting requires careful planning for nutrition and hydration because it can impact your energy levels and metabolism. [2]

Physiological Effects of Fasting on the Body

Fasting triggers several changes in the body including lowered insulin levels which can cause energy levels to fluctuate throughout the day. It also induces ketosis, a process where the body shifts from glucose to fat as its primary energy source. [3] While fasting can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, it may also lead to dehydration and potential muscle loss if protein intake is insufficient. 

Adjusting Diet for Fasting

While fasting has a significant impact on your body, the good news is that you can adjust your diet to help you stay fuller for longer, by making sure you’re getting enough nutrients and that you’re prioritizing hydration. These are even more important when you’re taking GLP-1s as patients taking weight loss medications are more susceptible to fatigue, headaches and digestive discomfort.

Meal Planning for Suhoor

Suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan and is the meal essential for providing enough energy for the rest of the day. We recommend that you don’t skip Suhoor as this can result in low energy throughout the day and below our experts have provided tips for choosing the most nutritious options at Suhoor. 

High-protein foods: Eggs, yogurt, lean meats help regulate your blood sugar to prevent crashes and for sustained energy.

Complex carbohydrates: Foods like oats, potatoes and rice take longer to break down than simple carbs like biscuits and cereals meaning they slowly release energy throughout the day.

Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts and olive oil increase feelings of fullness as they can help slow down the rate of digestion.

Hydrating foods: Fruits and vegetables that have a high water content like watermelon, lettuce, cucumber and oranges can contribute to better hydration. 

Meal Planning for Iftar

Iftar refers to the meal that breaks the fast each day during Ramadan and is eaten after sunset. It can be tempting to overindulge at Iftar but it’s important to prioritize healthy foods and consistent portion sizes as they’ll help to prevent side effects from flaring up. Here’s what our experts recommend.

• Start with light foods to ease digestion and avoid excessive sugars and heavy fried foods as they can irritate your stomach.
• Prioritize balanced meals that include fiber, protein, carbs, and fats to prioritize nutrient intake.
• Eat slowly to avoid digestive side effects like nausea.

How to Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key when taking GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro as it can help manage side effects like headaches, digestive discomfort and fatigue. However, the limited drinking hours during Ramadan can make it even more challenging to stay hydrated while fasting. Here’s what our experts recommend. 

• Aim for at least 8 cups of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Remember, you don’t have to drink 8 cups as soon as you break your fast, you can keep sipping throughout your meals. [4]
• Avoid drinks that dehydrate you including coffee, tea with caffeine and sugary options like soft drinks.
• Incorporate water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables like cabbage and strawberries.
• Drink electrolytes to help maintain hydration levels and get essential minerals and vitamins.

How to Integrate Mounjaro with Fasting

When it comes to practical ways to integrate your weight loss medication with fasting, there are a few key things you can do.

Consult with your healthcare provider before Ramadan as they can help make any necessary adjustments to your Mounjaro dose or timing. This is particularly important if you’re diabetic or struggle with irregular blood sugar levels. Additionally, the Qur’an states that illness is a valid exemption from fasting during Ramadan. Since obesity is classified as a chronic medical condition, there is flexibility if fasting could negatively affect your health. If you're unsure, it may be helpful to consult your Imam or GP to explore your options.

Stay consistent with your injection routine so the timing of your GLP-1 medication injection remains the same during Ramadan. Take your injection on the same day each week at roughly the same time, with or without a meal. 

However, some patients may prefer to take their medication with Iftar, as it is the main meal of the day. If you have experienced minimal side effects when taking your medication on an empty stomach, you might consider taking it with Suhoor, when your stomach is mostly empty. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Monitor for symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as combining fasting with GLP-1 medications can disrupt blood sugar levels. Signs of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, or feeling faint. Keep a source of fast-acting glucose, such as dates or fruit juice, available in case you experience low blood sugar.

Monitor for symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) by looking out for excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If you notice these symptoms after a meal, consider adjusting your diet or medication. However, any changes should be made under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Exercise During Ramadan

When it comes to exercise during Ramadan, the most important thing is to listen to your body and avoid intensive exercise which can result in fatigue. If you feel that you have the energy to exercise, our experts recommend after Iftar or before Suhoor so that you can ensure that you are properly nourished and hydrated before and after your workout. Finally, we recommend doing light to moderate workouts like walking and yoga as well as strength training, which can help preserve muscle mass during fasting.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet Post-Ramadan

Finally, after Ramadan, we recommend gradually reintroducing balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs throughout the day to sustain energy levels and prevent overeating.

Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?

At Levity our programme includes breakthrough GLP-1 medication as well as personalized support so that you can get the best results. Start a consultation here.

References:

[1] Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056

[2] Attinà A, Leggeri C, Paroni R, Pivari F, Dei Cas M, Mingione A, et al. Fasting: How to Guide. Nutrients [Internet]. 2021 May 7;13(5):1570. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151159/ 

[3] Cleveland Clinic. Ketosis: Definition, benefits & side effects [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24003-ketosis

[4] Gordon B. How Much Water Do You Need? [Internet]. www.eatright.org. 2022. Available from: https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need