If you’re on GLP-1 drugs and plan to fast for Yom Kippur, here’s what you need to know
Medical experts are advising patients on GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes medications to plan carefully if they intend to fast for religious observances like Yom Kippur. These drugs affect metabolism and blood sugar, necessitating medical consultation before extended periods of fasting.
Why it matters
As GLP-1 drug usage becomes widespread, understanding their interaction with traditional fasting practices is essential for patient safety.
Fasting for Yom Kippur ends at nightfall with a family meal. halbergman/E+ via Getty Images If you’re on GLP‑1 drugs and plan to fast for Yom Kippur, here’s what you need to know Published: September 16, 2026 2:27pm EDT https://theconversation.com/if-youre-on-glp-1-drugs-and-plan-to-fast-for-yom-kippur-heres-what-you-need-to-know-291776 https://theconversation.com/if-youre-on-glp-1-drugs-and-plan-to-fast-for-yom-kippur-heres-what-you-need-to-know-291776 Link copied Share article Share article
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Millions of people worldwide – as many as 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. – are on GLP-1 medication, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, for treating diabetes or for weight loss.
These drugs are adding a medical twist to religious observances that involve fasting, such as the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which will be observed from sundown on Sept. 20 until nightfall on Sept. 21, 2026. Traditionally, fasting on Yom Kippur means forgoing food and water for about 25 hours, which can strongly affect a person’s metabolism.
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