Eating Disorders During Ramadan: A Guide for Family Awareness and Recovery Support
Introduction: Ramadan between spirituality and mental health challenges
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, attention turns to the spiritual and social dimensions of fasting, but it also presents a significant psychological and health challenge for individuals with eating disorders. Nutrition and mental health specialists have confirmed that the radical changes in eating patterns and the societal focus on Iftar and Suhoor meals can exacerbate these complex conditions. They emphasized that eating disorders are not a lack of willpower, but rather a profound psychological battle requiring family awareness and specialized support to transform this blessed month into an opportunity for recovery instead of a trigger for relapse.
Understanding eating disorders: a broader context for the problem
Eating disorders are defined as serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors that negatively impact an individual's physical and mental health. Some of the most common types include:
- Anorexia nervosa: characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and excessive calorie restriction, leading to severe weight loss.
- Bulimia Nervosa: This involves episodes of binge eating followed by compulsive compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a feeling of loss of control, without resorting to compensatory behaviors.
Dr. Sarah Samir Akkad, a food and nutrition consultant, explained that these cases arise from the overlap of psychological, social and biological factors, stressing that family and community support plays a pivotal role in early detection and treatment.
The impact of Ramadan on those with eating disorders
Ramadan can be a powerful trigger for those suffering from these disorders. Fasting for long hours may be seen by someone with anorexia as a “legitimate” opportunity to restrict food, while large iftar meals and family gatherings may trigger episodes of bulimia or binge eating, followed by overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame. This contradiction between abstinence and excess creates a vicious cycle of psychological stress that is difficult to break without professional help.
The role of family and community: the first line of defense
Both food science researcher Dania Al-Ghamdi and clinical nutrition consultant Dr. Shawq Al-Ashmali agreed that the role of the family and school is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment. Parents and educators must be vigilant for early signs such as weight obsession, following strict diets, eating in secret, severe mood swings, and avoid negative comments about body shape or weight. Creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment encourages those affected to seek help. Al-Ghamdi added that social pressures and unrealistic beauty standards promoted by social media significantly contribute to exacerbating the problem, especially among teenagers.
Towards Recovery: Support and Treatment Strategies
Recovering from eating disorders requires a comprehensive approach from a medical team including a physician, a psychologist, and a nutritionist. Treatment focuses on both psychological and physical aspects. Dr. Sarah Akkad highlighted the importance of the concept of "intuitive eating," which is not a diet but a journey to rebuild a healthy relationship with food by listening to the body's natural hunger and satiety signals. The spirituality of Ramadan can be used to promote the values of moderation and compassion for the body, while it is essential to consult with specialists to develop a nutritional and psychological plan that suits the nature of fasting and helps avoid triggers. Early intervention increases the chances of a full recovery and reduces the risk of serious health complications.
