Despite ongoing studies, the elusive root cause of these disorders remains a subject of exploration. He clarifies that “Emotional distress, ADHD, and personality disorders, often rooted in childhood traumas or strained family relationships, are identified as contributing factors”. Individuals grappling with these issues may attempt to regain control through either restrictive eating or bingeing.
Dear Readers,
Please find below our Live Insta Session with Dr Sohail Sheikh. This is one of the most important interviews on culture and eating disorders out of Pakistan. We thank Rainbow Centre , its entire team and especially Dr Sohail Sheikh for their outstanding support and help.
Interview Summary by Miaar Assaf
In this enlightening interview with Dr. Sohail Sheikh, Director of Rainbow Eating Disorders Center in Pakistan, we dive into the intricate reality of eating disorders and their profound impact on individuals. Dr. Sheikh, boasting years of practice in the USA and New Zealand, brings a global perspective to the discussion, shedding light on the complexities of these disorders and their diverse manifestations.
He defined Eating disorder “a disorder related to eating patterns and relationship with food that has several types like anorexia, bulimia that affects both men and women but its more common in young girls”. Eating disorders constitute a spectrum of conditions that influence eating patterns and the relationship with food.
Despite ongoing studies, the elusive root cause of these disorders remains a subject of exploration. He clarifies that “Emotional distress, ADHD, and personality disorders, often rooted in childhood traumas or strained family relationships, are identified as contributing factors”. Individuals grappling with these issues may attempt to regain control through either restrictive eating or bingeing.
Anorexia, characterized by severe restriction, starvation, and maintaining a low body weight, stands in stark contrast to bulimia, which involves episodes of overeating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or excessive laxative use.
He illustrated one solution that can help in the treatment which is “The initial step in overcoming an eating disorder is the acknowledgment and acceptance of its existence”. Lack of acceptance can serve as a barrier to seeking professional help, blocking the journey toward recovery. Dr. Sheikh’s extensive experience reveals similar percentages of eating disorders in both Eastern and Western societies. Notably, “binge eating is prevalent in the East, where the body mass index (BMI) tends to be higher, while the West places a greater emphasis on being thin, often resorting to starvation”.
The interconnected nature of depression, anxiety, ADHD, personality disorders, and eating disorders becomes apparent, with one condition potentially leading to another. Addressing mental health problems emerges as a crucial preventive measure against the development of eating disorders.
Effectively managing eating disorders involves a concerted effort to repair the relationship with food. Treatment approaches vary based on the type of disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and guided assistance prove beneficial for bulimia, with medication requiring supervision by a doctor. Anorexia, on the other hand, involves approaches like MANTRA and SSCM, and while no specific medication has been identified, antidepressants may be considered under professional
guidance.
“Cultural influences play a significant role in the struggle with eating disorders”, encompassing body comparisons, calorie counting, and premarital dieting to conform to societal expectations.
The intersection of eating disorders with cultural practices, such as fasting during Ramadan, introduces unique challenges. “External support from psychiatrists, dietitians, and family proves crucial during this time”. Strategies like food journaling and following the Sunnah recommendation of breaking the fast with water and dates before having a meal can contribute to fostering mindful eating.
In essence, Dr. Sohail Sheikh’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, cultural sensitivity, and a holistic approach to treatment. Through increased awareness and professional support, individuals can navigate the complexities of these disorders and embark on a journey toward recovery, fostering a healthier relationship with themselves and their relationship with food.
