Ramadan Weight Loss Guide: Balancing Fasting with Weight Loss Medications

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight During Ramadan While Fasting

Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and discipline, but it can also be an opportunity to focus on your health. Many people find that fasting supports Ramadan weight loss but balancing this with weight loss medication requires careful planning. If you’re currently taking medication, understanding how to adjust your routine while maintaining a balanced diet is key to staying healthy during this time.

Here’s how you can navigate fasting while continuing your weight management journey, along with expert advice on medication, diet, and hydration.

Adjusting Medication Timing for Fasting

Fasting from dawn to sunset naturally shifts your eating patterns, which means you may need to change when you take your weight loss medication. As always, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments, but here are some general recommendations:

For Appetite Suppressant Tablets (e.g., CAAS):

• Taking them at iftar may help control appetite for the evening meal, but some people find it affects their sleep due to its active period.
• Taking them before suhoor can help suppress appetite during fasting hours but may increase dry mouth or dehydration risks.

For Fat Absorption Inhibitors (e.g., Orlistat):

• These work best with meals containing fat, so doses should align with iftar and suhoor to maintain effectiveness.

If you’re wondering about taking weight loss medication during Ramadan, find out more here.

Food Choices for Ramadan and Weight Loss

Maintaining a balanced diet is key to healthy fasting during Ramadan, especially when taking medication. The foods you eat at suhoor and iftar can impact energy levels, hydration, and overall weight loss during Ramadan.

Suhoor: What to Eat Before Fasting

• Healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds) regulate blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.
• Complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains) provide slow-releasing energy to sustain you through the day.
• Lean proteins (e.g., eggs, low-fat dairy) help maintain muscle and keep you feeling full.

Iftar: Breaking Your Fast Without Overeating

• Include lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains to fuel your body properly.
• Start with dates and water to gently rehydrate and restore energy.
• Limit fried or sugary foods, which can lead to sluggishness and make weight loss in Ramadan more challenging.

For more advice on what to eat in Ramadan for weight loss, click here to learn more.

Staying Hydrated While Fasting

Hydration is essential for Ramadan fasting and health, particularly if you’re taking medication that may cause dry mouth.

• Be mindful of caffeine, as excessive tea or coffee can lead to dehydration.
• Increase your water intake between iftar and suhoor to compensate for the fasting hours.
• Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and yoghurt to support hydration.

By prioritising hydration, you can reduce common fasting side effects and support your Ramadan weight loss goals.

More Support for Ramadan Weight Loss

Fasting offers several benefits of fasting during Ramadan, but it’s important to approach it in a way that supports both your spiritual and physical well-being. If you’d like more insights on Ramadan and weight loss, we’ve covered everything from nutrition to medication in our Ramadan guide.

Explore our guide here.

Ramadan weight loss can be a natural result of fasting, but it’s important to approach it in a way that supports your overall health. Adjusting medication schedules, eating the right foods, and staying hydrated can make all the difference in maintaining energy levels while fasting.

If you’re unsure how to manage Ramadan weight loss medication, speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Would you like to discuss your weight management plan for Ramadan? Get in touch with our team, by booking a call back here, for expert support.