Is Intermittent Fasting a Good Diet if You’re on a GLP-1?

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting, often referred to as time-restricted eating, isn’t a diet per se, but rather a pattern of eating where you alternate between periods of fasting and eating. You’re not focusing on what you should eat, but when you should eat, says Diala Alatassi, MD, an obesity medicine specialist with Endeavor Health in Elmhurst, Illinois.

How long you fast and eat varies. Some of the most common variations of intermittent fasting are 16:8 (16 hours of fasting with an eight-hour eating window) and 12:12 (12 hours of fasting with a 12-hour eating window). Some people even do 5:2 (eating five days a week and restricting calories on two days). But here’s the kicker: “There’s no particular number of hours that’s magical,” says Chris Thompson, MD, Harvard Medical School professor, weight loss doctor, and founder of Bariando.

In other words, regardless of how you structure your fasting, the benefits can add up quickly. Weight loss, of course, tops the list. In one study that reviewed 27 intermittent fasting trials, participants lost anywhere from 0.8 to 13 percent of their baseline weight. That’s because intermittent fasting helps you eat fewer calories and enhances your body’s fat burning, targeting abdominal fat in particular, Alatassi says.

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Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can decrease insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to research, it can also trigger autophagy, which Alatassi explains is a cellular repair process that eliminates dysfunctional components. The upshot? It could help fortify your body against diseases and possibly contribute to longevity.

Yet intermittent fasting doesn’t come without risks. You might, for instance, experience nutrient deficiencies or negative side effects like headaches or fatigue, or, if you have diabetes, an increase in blood sugar fluctuations.

What Is the Relationship Between Fasting and GLP-1?

GLP-1 medications mimic the actions of natural GLP-1 in your body, slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety. So how does intermittent fasting affect GLP-1? Studies have shown that it increases GLP-1 secretion, especially during the fasting periods, and that can lead to big payoffs.

“Elevated GLP-1 levels can enhance insulin secretion, improve sensitivity, and promote satiety, which may contribute to the beneficial effects on metabolic health and weight management,” Alatassi says.

Is It a Good Idea to Fast if You Take a GLP-1?

Intermittent fasting does offer benefits for people who are on GLP-1 medications. For starters, it may augment your weight loss, Thompson says. Plus, because intermittent fasting has been shown to release growth hormone, it can help protect against the muscle waste that’s associated with being on a GLP-1.

But don’t take this to mean that intermittent fasting while on a GLP-1 is safe for everybody, as there are some individuals for whom it may not be. People with diabetes should be cautious. “You have to be careful of your blood glucose,” Thompson says. If you have a history of hypoglycemia, GLP-1 medications can lower your blood sugar levels, a risk that can be exacerbated during the fasting period.

You also need to be careful if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as the safety of GLP-1 medications during this time isn’t well known and you may fall short on nutrients if you’re fasting, Alatassi says. And certain medical conditions like severe renal impairment or gastroparesis may put you at increased risk of adverse reactions with GLP-1 medications, which can be made worse with intermittent fasting. Also, if you’re elderly or frail, you might be more susceptible to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or dehydration if you try to combine a GLP-1 medication with intermittent fasting.

What if you are already doing intermittent fasting and decide to take a GLP-1? Again, there are many variables to consider, the first being the type of fast you’re doing. If you’re following a 12:12 method, it’s probably not going to pose much of an issue unless you already have problems with your glucose management, Thompson says. If, however, you’re doing a more prolonged version, like fasting for one or two days a week, you’ll need to modify that fast. It might be wise to move to something like a 12:12 method until you see how your body reacts to the medication.

No matter what fasting method you’re following or what your health history is, always talk with your healthcare provider about any dietary changes before you start taking a GLP-1 medication. You can then determine if you’re a candidate for this combination and establish the optimal timing for taking a GLP-1 during your fasting and eating windows, Alatassi says.

The Wrap-Up

Intermittent fasting is an effective weight loss strategy that, for some individuals, can be safely paired with weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Work with your healthcare provider, though, to make sure you’re a candidate for combining the two, as there are certain individuals for whom this might not be safe. If you get the okay to fast, experts advise prioritizing eating healthy whole foods (talk with a dietitian if necessary), staying hydrated, and scheduling regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, intermittent fasting can be a viable option for individuals taking GLP-1 medications, but it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. With the right guidance and a willingness to adapt, you can potentially combine the benefits of intermittent fasting with the weight loss potential of GLP-1 medications.

FAQs

• Q: Can I take Ozempic and do intermittent fasting?
  A: Yes, but it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure you’re a candidate for this combination.
• Q: How do I know if intermittent fasting is right for me?
  A: Talk with your healthcare provider about your health history, lifestyle, and goals to determine if intermittent fasting is suitable for you.
• Q: What are the benefits of intermittent fasting with GLP-1 medications?
  A: Intermittent fasting can help augment weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote satiety, among other benefits.
• Q: Are there any risks associated with intermittent fasting and GLP-1 medications?
  A: Yes, individuals with certain health conditions or a history of hypoglycemia should exercise caution when combining the two.