We are currently approaching the end of Ramadan (23rd of May), a spiritual month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims practice observance and gratification often through the form of fasting. The requirements for fasting involve abstaining from food and drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset, and Iftar (breaking the fast) is often eagerly anticipated as many family and friends gather together to share food.
However, fasting can often be a disguise for disordered eating. Different researchers have posited that religious fasting has the potential to trigger or speed up the process of eating disorder as strict dieting and weight loss constitute an early step in the development of anorexia and bulimia.
One suggestion is that after managing fasting as a sacred duty, patients feel they could also accomplish dieting. Another trigger may be that prolonged fasting can cause compensatory over eating which then leads to problems in digestion such as bloating, and as a result the individual then feels guilty and purges to relieve themselves of the feeling.
Furthermore, we should take into account societal pressures, as it is also suggested that Western values around weight loss can be wrongly conflated with Ramadan, consequently using Ramadan as an excuse to diet and lose weight.
We should remember that the celebration of Ramadan is not about weight loss or dieting, it was about being grateful for all the blessings that one has in life like health, food, water, and shelter, as well as friends and family that cared for you. Habiba (writing for Beat) reiterates this point; "Ramadan shouldn't be just about controlling yourself from eating food. It should be about taking care of yourself whatever way possible and if fasting isn’t right for your mental and physical health at the moment, it’s okay not to take part."
However, mixed results from different studies could suggest that part of the reason why eating disorders remain uncovered is due to the cultural barrier clinicians face when treating a Muslim client. In many cultures, “illness” refers to a physical diseases like cancer or diabetes and consequently, mental illnesses such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety are disregarded. This is because of the rising notion that conditions such as anorexia are a "western" disease that has crept into the Muslim world and as a result, many Muslim women suffering with an eating disorder are discouraged from seeking help and are forced to suffer in silence. Furthermore, those who do not observe Ramadan come under scrutiny from their community, adding to feelings of guilt, shame and isolation and as a result force people to fast thus exacerbating any disordered thoughts and behaviours.
Saddy states that Ramadan should be about reflection and contemplation. A practice of willpower, empathy, humanitarian servitude, and patience. A month of training for the body and soul, to seek redemption and to continue the journey of righteousness throughout the year. If you cannot observe Ramadan by fasting, instead you could: Pray more, give to charity and practice self compassion and tolerance.
If you are concerned about a loved one or yourself, contact Beat on: 0808 801 0677 or 0808 801 0711
Akgul, S, Derman, O and Kanbur, N. (2014) “Fasting during ramadan: A religious factor as a possible trigger or exacerbator for eating disorders in adolescents.” International Journal of Eating Disorders. Vol 47(8) https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.oxfordbrookes.idm.oclc.org/doi/full/10.1002/eat.22255?sid=worldcat.org
Erol, A, Baylan, G and Yazici, F. (2008) “Do Ramadan Fasting Restrictions Alter Eating Behaviors?” European Eating Disorders Review. https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.oxfordbrookes.idm.oclc.org/doi/epdf/10.1002/erv.872
Habiba (2018) “Ramadan: Still in the grips of anorexia.” Beat. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/your-stories/ramadan-grips-of-anorexia
Haidrani, S. (2016) “The unspoken challenges of having an eating disorder during Ramadan.” Vice. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4xkkdn/the-unspoken-challenges-of-having-an-eating-disorder-during-ramadan
Saddy, M. (2017) “Ramadan: The Battle of Fasting for God or Eating Disorders?” Eating Disorders Research Catalogue. https://www.edcatalogue.com/ramadan-battle-fasting-god-eating-disorders/
Zayna, A (2019) “How to navigate Ramadan if you are struggling with an eating disorder.” Gal-Dem. https://gal-dem.com/the-struggle-of-navigating-ramadan-with-an-eating-disorder/
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