Ramadan and eating disorders

Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and devotion that many Muslims look forward to. However, for people with eating disorders, this month can be a triggering time and can make any difficulties they may have worse.

Any event that centres around food can have its challenges and Ramadan can be extremely challenging both mentally and physically for someone with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders can seriously compromise bodily functions, for example, if the body is already in a state of starvation or engaging in behaviours, and fasting during Ramadan could significantly affect your health, welfare and overall recovery.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, Ramadan may lead to worry and confusion over whether to fast. This might be made more difficult if the people around you don’t know you’re struggling, or you might worry about feeling judged. You should contact your eating disorder team if you have one, trusted friends, family, and/or an Imam/spiritual leader to get the right support and advice to help you get the most out of this time.

Talk to a loved one who can offer support and understand that there are other ways you can connect to your faith during the month of Ramadan if you can’t fast due to health reasons, such as:

• You could make arrangements for Fidya – a charitable donation if you’re unable to fast during Ramadan
• You could focus on building your spiritual practice by increasing your salat and dhikr – for example you could try to read four pages of the Quran after every namaz which will help you to complete the Quran during Ramadan
• Watch Islamic lectures on you tube, make a list of daily duas to recite, download an Islamic app to increase your knowledge or engage in more charitable activities.

Download our guide to Ramadan and Eating disorders by Dr Omara Naseem for more information on how to navigate this time with an eating disorder.

Supporting someone with an eating disorder this Ramadan

It’s important that you understand how to support someone with an eating disorder during this time.  Ask the person what they need in terms of support as everyone is individual with a unique set of needs.  There are some ideas below of how to do this:

Planning for Ramadan

Have a discussion with your loved one about fears surrounding this period. Think about what you need to plan for. What parts of this time are likely to be difficult and what parts will be enjoyed?

Meal planning

Change can make people feel unsettled but can also provide an opportunity to do something different. It’s okay to stick to normal routines but planning can help. Take time to prepare for less familiar scenarios such as meals with extended family members, eating out or simply eating differently. If your loved one is particularly anxious about certain meals, you could do a trial run a week or so before.

If appropriate, planning mealtimes should be a collaborative process with your loved one. If this is not possible keep them informed of the eating plan and expectations.

During mealtimes

Be supportive during mealtimes because they can be a challenging time, especially at gatherings where people may comment on the person’s eating habits.  Most importantly, don’t place shame and judgement toward the person with the eating disorder because that could exacerbate the problem and make them feel isolated.

Setting boundaries and expectations

Usual plans and routines may be adjusted and it’s important to discuss this. Decide how much you will stray from your normal routine. Focus on what Ramadan means to you and your family. It may be beneficial to share and agree the plan with wider family members, including your loved one.

Download our guide to Ramadan and Eating disorders by Dr Omara Naseem for more information on how to navigate this time.

Other support / resources:

The Mindful Muslim Podcast #13 – Ramadan and Eating Disorders. Also available via Spotify.