Ramadan is a month dedicated to Muslims as part of their religious observance. The belief that Allah delivered the Quran to Muhammad, serving as the scripture source for the Muslim community, forms the basis of his holiday. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, read the Quran, and attend mosques. Also, as part of the holy month, family and friends come together to observe and celebrate by preparing meals such as suhoor and iftar. However, Ramadan may also be a triggering time for individuals struggling with eating disorders.

How are Ramadan and Eating Disorders Connected? 

The most significant component for individuals to celebrate Ramadan is the act of fasting. However, for those struggling with food and body distress, this may lead to disordered behaviors. Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW, writes about this connection. She says, “One may restrict food all day and then engage in binge eating upon breaking the fast due to feeling extreme amounts of hunger or feeling as though they have permission to binge because they were ‘good all day’ by fasting.” Fasting can also perpetuate eating disorder behaviors while encouraging Muslim people to remain dedicated to their faith. In a personal essay by Adeline Hocine, she describes her experience battling an eating disorder in secret during and after Ramadan. “Despite the harm I was causing my body, my eating disorder brought me comfort for all the wrong reasons. I knew I could never control the way others viewed me, but fasting allowed me to control the way I viewed myself, both within my community and in the face of American beauty standards.”

Beyond eating disorders, Ramadan may also impact those facing other mental health struggles. In her piece, Angelina Chapin speaks with individuals from the Muslim community who have dealt with eating and other disorders during this religious period. “A study published in the journal World Psychiatry found that 45 percent of Muslims with bipolar disorder had suffered either manic or depressive episodes during Ramadan” (Chapin, 2016). With the end of Ramadan approaching, how does one prepare for next year?

How Do I Consider Abstaining From Fasting During Ramadan?

Deciding to abstain from fasting during Ramadan is difficult, so individuals should consult their healthcare professionals before this religious observance period begins. If someone is struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to consider that first. Ask yourself if participating in fasting helps with honoring your religion or your eating disorder behaviors. You can explore other ways to observe the holiday that doesn’t require fasting in case your treatment plan suggests participating is unsafe.

At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we understand that seeking help and pursuing recovery from an eating disorder can feel overwhelming. BALANCE offers a bi-monthly free virtual support group for those contemplating eating disorder treatment or for loved ones seeking support. RSVP for our next support group here. 

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