As millions observe Yom Kippur, those on GLP-1 medications must carefully plan to manage fasting alongside their treatments, with doctors highlighting risks of nausea, dehydration, and hypoglycaemia.
For people taking GLP-1 drugs, this year’s Yom Kippur fast brings a practical medical question as well as a religious one. The Conversation, republished by MedicalXpress, says millions of people use medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, and that most can fast safely if they plan ahead. But the article also warns that the combination of fasting and these drugs can intensify nausea, dehydration and, in some cases, blood sugar problems.
GLP-1 medicines mimic a natural gut hormone that helps lower blood sugar and reduces appetite by slowing digestion, according to drug information from Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. That mechanism can be useful for diabetes treatment and weight management, but it also means common side effects, including stomach upset, dizziness and constipation, may become harder to tolerate when someone is going without food and water for about 25 hours.
Timing matters. The Conversation article says people using weekly injections should generally stay on their normal schedule, rather than skipping a dose just because of the fast. For daily oral GLP-1 tablets, however, fasting can be more complicated because some of these medicines must be taken on an empty stomach with water before food or other drugs, which can itself conflict with the religious observance. The article advises patients not to simply double up afterwards.
The biggest medical risk is for people using GLP-1 drugs alongside insulin or medicines such as sulfonylureas, which can also lower blood sugar. In those cases, fasting can raise the chance of hypoglycaemia, especially for people with type 1 diabetes, poorly controlled diabetes, severe kidney disease, pregnancy or a history of frequent low blood sugar. Drug information from the relevant manufacturers also shows that several of these medicines are available as once-weekly injections, while some semaglutide products are taken orally each day.
Doctors interviewed in The Conversation article say preparation should start before the holiday, with a normal meal that includes protein, good hydration and a plan for when to break the fast if symptoms become dangerous. People with diabetes are advised to monitor glucose closely and keep a quick source of carbohydrate nearby. A gentle meal after the fast is usually easier on the stomach than a large, high-fat one.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
