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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Position Statements
Liver
BSG position statement on the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease practice guidance on risk stratification and management of portal hypertension and varices in cirrhosis
clinical-resource/BSG-AASLD-position-statement-cirrhosis
The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) recognises that the current UK guideline on the management of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients (2015) requires updating.

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.