Few health topics have grown as fast as GLP-1 medicines. Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) were first developed for type 2 diabetes and are now widely prescribed for weight management. Many Muslim readers have asked us whether these medicines are permissible, whether an injection breaks the fast, and how to use them wisely. This guide brings together what doctors and scholars are saying.
What these medicines do
GLP-1 medicines copy a natural gut hormone that tells the body it is full. They slow stomach emptying, reduce appetite and help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises. For people living with obesity or type 2 diabetes they can bring meaningful health benefits, but they are prescription medicines with real side effects, most commonly nausea, vomiting, constipation and reduced thirst.
Are the ingredients halal?
The active ingredients are peptides made in laboratories, not taken from animals, so the main source concern with many medicines (porcine gelatin or animal-derived enzymes) does not usually apply to the active substance. Formulations do change, however, and different brands and compounded versions use different inactive ingredients. If ingredient sourcing matters to you, ask your pharmacist for the product’s full ingredient list or contact the manufacturer. Our Halal Supplements Guide explains how to question ingredients in the same way.
Do injections break the fast?
Many contemporary scholars hold that a non-nutritive injection under the skin does not break the fast, and imams interviewed by Religion News Service in 2025 said taking GLP-1 medicines for a genuine medical need does not invalidate fasting. Scholars also point out that fasting is meant to build taqwa (God-consciousness), so using a medicine purely to avoid feeling hungry misses the spiritual purpose. Schools of thought differ on details, so ask a scholar you trust.
Fasting safely on GLP-1 medicines
- Plan with your prescriber before Ramadan. Doctors may adjust the dose, the day of the injection or other diabetes medicines to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
- Protect your hydration. These medicines can reduce thirst. Drink water steadily between iftar and suhoor and limit caffeine.
- Eat enough protein. With a smaller appetite, prioritise eggs, lentils, yoghurt, fish and lean halal meat so you do not lose muscle along with fat.
- Know when to stop. Persistent vomiting, dizziness or signs of dehydration are reasons to break the fast and seek medical advice. Islam permits breaking the fast when health is at risk.
A balanced view
Islam teaches that the body is an amanah (trust). Seeking effective treatment is encouraged, and so is building lasting habits. GLP-1 medicines work best alongside wholesome food, regular movement and good sleep, and weight often returns when they are stopped. Avoid unregulated online sellers and “copycat” products; get these medicines only through a licensed prescriber and pharmacy.
This article is general information, not medical or religious advice. Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your own health, and to a qualified scholar about specific religious rulings.