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
Guidance
Ramadan intermittent fasting for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases: practical guidance for health-care professionals
clinical-resource/Ramadan-intermittent-fasting-for-patients
This Guidance was published in February 2025.

Guidance
Liver
BSG Endorsed Guidance: ELF test (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis)
clinical-resource/ELF-test-(Enhanced-Liver-Fibrosis)
The ELF test is a non-invasive blood test which combines three direct serum biomarkers of liver fibrosis. It is for people people with primary non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dy