Ramadan and Eating Disorders
Change in diet such as that which occurs during Ramadan, plays an important role in triggering Eating Disorders (ED) in adolescents with a predisposition or may exacerbate an eating pathology. ¹
Ramadan can be extremely challenging both mentally and physically for someone with an eating disorder. It can impact a spectrum of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder to name a few. It may trigger a relapse and might be harmful for that person’s growth and health. Fasting during the month may conceal the disorder or put a strain on any improvements made during treatment of the disorder. People with Bulimia might overindulge and then compelled to get rid of it whilst those with anorexia might deprive themselves even more.
During Ramadan focus is on communal eating with friends and family both at suhoor and iftar (limited due to covid these days). Someone with ED has to face public eating; making eating extremely difficult for them. Making them self-conscious and thinking that they are being judged.
In the Muslim culture illness refers to physical illness. Mental illness in itself is a taboo topic and then that person not fasting is further stigmatised. Not fasting due to a mental disorder is seen as a weakness in that person’s faith. This can be extremely debilitating for people who are seeking support. Many times, Muslims with the disorder come to believe that their disorder is not legitimate, and they start feeling guilty and ashamed of not fasting.
Guidelines for Ramadan & ED
1. For the Community
· Provide support to those with the eating disorder and understanding that the month can be a trigger for some.
· Muslim communities need to understand that Eating Disorder is also a condition just like diabetes, heart condition etc.
· Educating and creating awareness about the condition among the Imams, so that they can guide people in the right direction.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan can cause harm for those with ED. If they are advised by the health professionals NOT to fast, then certainly that is something to do.
As stated in Surat-Baqarah:
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful (Verse 2:185).
Allah does not want to make things difficult for you. A person suffering from chronic illness can give compensation in the form of feeding less fortunate Muslims throughout the month.
2. For the Family
·Family members of people with ED should avoid all critical remarks and comments.
· Inclusion of people with ED at suhoor and iftar even if they not fasting.
·Not to pressure them into eating too much food at suhoor and iftar .
·Not to force them into fasting.
·Not to make them feel bad if they are not fasting.
3. For the Person with ED
·Be kind and compassionate towards yourself.
·Do not fast because of family and peer pressure.
·Ramadan is not only the time to fast but a time for self-reflection. Use this opportunity to think how you can be a better person.
·Ramadan is much more than fasting. If you are not fasting focus on other things. Recite Quran, give charity, focus on kind deeds as opposed to focussing on the food aspect of Ramadan.
·Go to professionals for advice (doctors, psychologists, dietitians).
·Reach out for help.
Resources
Ramadan & Eating Disorders Guide by Dr. Omara Naseem -
https://omaranaseem.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ramadan-and-Eating-Disorder-Guide-Dr-Naseem_V3.pdf
Muslim Youth Helpline-
Beat Eating Disorders -
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services
Let’s Talk About It!
All the above guidelines will only work if we start talking about it. No one is talking about it.
The Muslim communities are failing to provide support. We need to destigmatise eating disorders within our communities by having conversations.