Ramadan intermittent fasting can pose challenges and risks for some groups of patients. Based on a narrative literature review and our clinical expertise, we provide practical guidance for clinicians managing patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions who wish to fast during Ramadan. Following the established International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance risk stratification framework, we categorised patients’ risk as low or moderate, high, or very high. We advise all patients at very high risk and most patients at high risk to not observe fasting due to potential harm. For others, we offer nuanced recommendations on medication rescheduling, lifestyle changes, and tailored fasting advice to minimise adverse effects. Shared decision making that respects patients’ religious motivations is essential, with risks and benefits carefully weighed on an individual basis.
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Clinical Resources
Allurion Gastric Balloon: Updated safety information due to the risks of gastric outlet obstruction, small bowel obstruction and gastric perforation (DSI/2026/004)
clinical-resource/MHRA-DSI-on-the-Allurion-Gastric-Balloon
In rare instances, the Allurion Gastric Balloon has not transited through the stomach or bowel as intended, leading to complications.

Guidance
Endoscopy
British Society of Gastroenterology and Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland guidance on best practice for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
clinical-resource/Best-practice-for-upper-GI-endoscopy
National root cause analysis of post-endoscopy upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer in England has found wide variations in UGI endoscopy quality.