Eating Disorder Symptom Severity Decreases in Fasting Muslim Women in the United States During Ramadan: A Preliminary...

Although dietary restraint is associated with loss of control (LOC) eating, less is known about associations between food restraint and religious fasting. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan fasting may be associated with negative consequences related to eating and body image; however, increased social support and religious observance during Ramadan might also function as protective factors against mental-health symptoms.

Muslim women in the United States who intended to fast during Ramadan (N = 56) completed baseline and weekly questionnaires assessing fasting and mental health symptoms the week before, the 4 weeks during, and the week after Ramadan. Results were analyzed using paired t-tests, and symptoms of eating disorders, anxiety, and depression were compared across these three times. A multiple regression tested if greater days fasted would be associated with greater LOC eating severity during Ramadan.

LOC eating severity and eating pathology significantly decreased during Ramadan compared to before Ramadan (ps < 0.02). Additionally, LOC eating and days fasted before Ramadan significantly positively predicted LOC eating severity during Ramadan (ps < 0.02), but days fasted during Ramadan did not. Depressive symptoms did not change significantly. Anxiety symptoms decreased during Ramadan and remained lower than at baseline (ps < 0.03).

Ramadan fasting may involve protective factors that buffer against LOC eating symptoms. Future research should examine potential mechanisms underlying reductions in LOC eating and consider how psychoeducation on fasting behaviors may support wellbeing in this population.