Eating disorders during Ramadan: Challenges and dangerous eating habits
Introduction: When the month of fasting turns into a psychological challenge
The holy month of Ramadan is a spiritually enriching period of worship and drawing closer to God, but it can also pose a significant challenge for individuals with eating disorders. The radical shift in meal times and patterns, coupled with the societal emphasis on Iftar (the meal to break the fast) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), can exacerbate these complex psychological conditions, transforming the holy month into a daily battle with food and body image.
What are eating disorders? A deeper understanding of the problem
Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders are not simply poor dietary habits or lifestyle choices, but rather serious and complex mental illnesses with profound consequences for both physical and mental health. These disorders arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors and are closely linked to problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and an obsession with body image. Some of the most prominent types include:
- Anorexia nervosa: characterized by severe food restriction and a morbid fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia Nervosa: This involves episodes of overeating (binge eating) followed by compulsive compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or laxative use.
- Binge Eating Disorder: This involves frequently consuming large amounts of food with a feeling of loss of control, without resorting to compensatory behaviors.
Why does it get worse during Ramadan?
Fasting creates a cycle of deprivation followed by overindulgence, which can be a powerful trigger for those with eating disorders. The long hours of fasting may be used by the individual to justify calorie restriction, while the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) becomes an opportunity for binge eating followed by overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame. Furthermore, family gatherings and Ramadan feasts increase social pressure, making it difficult for the individual to conceal their behavior or adhere to their treatment plan.
Unhealthy eating habits during Ramadan increase risks
While everyone strives to improve their health during Ramadan, some common habits can backfire, especially for those predisposed to eating disorders. Here are some of the most prominent habits to be wary of:
1. Excessive consumption of fatty and fried foods
Focusing on meals rich in saturated fats and high in calories leads to weight gain, lethargy, and indigestion, which reinforces negative feelings towards the body and pushes the patient into a cycle of restriction or overindulgence.
2. Starting breakfast with a heavy meal immediately
The stomach needs to be prepared after long hours of fasting. It's best to start with light foods like dates and water, or milk and soup, and then rest before the main meal to avoid overburdening the digestive system.
3. Drinking large amounts of water all at once
Drinking excessive amounts of water at Iftar (the meal to break the fast) can strain the kidneys and fill the stomach, potentially causing indigestion and reducing the absorption of essential nutrients. It is better to distribute water intake throughout the period between Iftar and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).
4. Neglecting the pre-dawn meal (suhoor)
The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) is essential to provide the body with the necessary energy during the day of fasting. Skipping it leads to intense hunger at iftar (breaking the fast), increasing the likelihood of overeating and loss of control.
5. Relying on sweets instead of fruit
Fruit provides the natural sugars, vitamins, and fiber the body needs, while processed sweets provide empty calories that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar followed by a sharp drop, increasing the desire to eat more sugar.
