Food often brings people together during major cultural holidays. Families often share recipes, traditions, and rituals which may symbolize the meaning and importance of their culture and religion. Although some holidays are more celebratory than others, some holidays these can contribute to eating disorder behaviors.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Ramadan, which lasts for 30 days, is the most sacred and holy holiday observed by Muslims and people who practice Islam. It is a month dedicated to focusing on religion, praying, giving back and helping others. Like other holidays, another major part of Ramadan involves food and meals. More, specifically, Ramadan involves fasting – reframing from consuming any foods and beverages — from dust until dawn for the month. All Muslims are expected to partake in the fast, but elders, those who are sick, as well as pregnant women are exempt from observing the holiday.
Because people who observe Ramadan fast for the majority of the time they are awake, it is common to have two larger meals during the day – the “suhoor” before sunrise and the “iftar” when the fast is over for the day. Eating during Ramadan therefore is very different from the typical eating schedule people regularly follow. As a result, Ramadan can be very challenging for someone who has a poor relationship with food. Observing Ramadan may even lead some people to develop eating disorder behaviors or worsen existing behaviors.
If friends and family members are under the impression someone is fasting for Ramadan, they may not always suspect that the individual is showing signs of an eating disorder because it is expected that they will not eat during the day and eat more in the morning and at night time. There may also be conversations about food, which can be triggering. Those that do not celebrate Ramadan may unintentionally compliment someone for dieting, having self-discipline or losing weight. Instead of observing Ramadan for religious purposes, some people may see the month as a diet, an opportunity to eat less, or find themselves binge eating during non-fasting hours.
Many people with anorexia view themselves as overweight, do not consume enough calories, starve themselves, or over-exercise. Not eating may make people feel in control, so they may try not to eat longer than the typical fast or eat small of portions when they do eat because they fear weight gain. On the other hand, they may become very anxious throughout the day as they anticipate eating later. Meals are often consumed with a group of people either at home or mosques, which can be stressful for someone with an eating disorder. Eating in a group like this may also result in self-comparison. Consequently, they may compare what or how much they are eating to what is on others’ plates.
Ramadan may also affect people with bulimia or binge eating disorder. Someone with bulimia typically engages in bingeing episodes in which they consume large amounts of food at once and make themselves throw up or use diuretics to compensate or “get rid” of the calories afterwards. Similarly, binge eating disorder occurs when someone eats a lot of food at once, often resulting in them feeling out of control and embarrassed, but, unlike with bulimia, they do not engage in compensating behaviors after a binge. People observing Ramadan who have bulimia or binge eating disorder may spend the day wondering if they ate “too much” during their morning meal or what they will eat after sunset.
When the fast is over for the day, families often prepare large meals or feasts. Some may be served buffet style, which can be overwhelming, as many people with eating disorders are anxious about eating with others. After not having any food or water for the entire day, people may feel out of control and become uncomfortably full from the post-fast meal. Because of the fullness, guilt is a common emotion and may result in some people wanting to compensate or engage in other dangerous behaviors for the meal.
Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders that can result in significant health consequences if not addressed and treated. People who observe Ramadan may continue displaying fasting or bingeing behaviors even after the month is over. Some may think that having the “willpower” to fast even when it is not Ramadan makes them self-disciplined. It is therefore important for individuals, families and their treatment team to recognize whether a person is observing Ramadan for religious purposes or using the month-long observance to fuel an eating disorder. Although Muslims are often questioned and criticized if they are not fasting, this does not make them any less devoted to their religion if observing Ramadan interferes with their recovery. There are other ways to show faith. Although challenges may arise, with the right approach and support, navigating Ramadan can be less stressful.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. We offer a variety of programs and services targeted at helping clients develop a healthy relationship with food.
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This post was written by BALANCE Marketing Assistant, Amanda Nussbaum (she/her).
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!
