Does Eating disorder affect men or is it just women-related? Do Muslim men suffer from eating disorders?
His eating disorders started after he moved to the UAE following his mother’s untimely demise. His panic disorder intensified leading to unhealthy eating behaviours and weight gain. He clarified that mental disorder is something
you cannot control and sometimes people around you will not understand to what extent the suffering is real. Moreover, he stresses the importance of seeking professional help and guidance, including from psychologists, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, to navigate the complexities of eating disorders.
Dear Visitors,
Please find below our Interview with Syed Waqas from Dubai on Muslim Men and Eating Disorders. Thank you Waqas for such honest and such insightful Interview. Thank you Rainbow Eating Disorder Centre Lahore for your cooperation and for Mayar for Interview Analysis.
Insta Live: Muslim Men and Eating
Disorders
Summary by Mayar
Does Eating disorder affect men or is it just women-related? Do Muslim men suffer from eating disorders?
We will answer this question, and elaborate how you can avoid being affected
by eating disorders by sharing 10 tips from each Waqas and Nadia.
Eating disorders are often perceived as primarily affecting women, but the truth is that they can impact individuals of any gender. In this article, we will explore the experiences of Muslim men with eating disorders, drawing insights from the powerful Instagram video shared by @guruwaqas.84. Waqas, a Pakistani man living in the UAE, openly shares his struggle with
eating disorders.
Waqas is a Pakistani man currently living in the UAE since he was 18 years old. At first, he was suffering from panic disorder, that contributed to weight gain, depression, being inactive, and depending on highly processed unhealthy food. As well being away from his faith and religion. When he was living in Pakistan, he had no awareness of the food he was consuming. He simply ate wat he loved and what he craved which was mostly highly sugary and fried food.
His eating disorders started after he moved to the UAE following his mother’s untimely demise. His panic disorder intensified leading to unhealthy eating behaviours and weight gain. He clarified that mental disorder is something
you cannot control and sometimes people around you will not understand to what extent the suffering is real. Moreover, he stresses the importance of seeking professional help and guidance, including from psychologists, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, to navigate the complexities of eating disorders.
Key Tips from Waqas to manage your eating disorders:
1) Reconnect with your faith and religion can provide a strong foundation and support a lot during the recovery process.
2) Seek help from psychologist to receive support and guidance throughout your journey.
3) Work with Nutritionist to develop a balanced diet plan tailored to your individual needs.
4) Consult a psychiatrist who can prescribe you the appropriate medications and treatment.
5) Prioritize your physical health by engaging in regular physical activity and exercise.
6) Ensure you get a good quality 7-9 hours of sleep, as it helps regulate your hormones, and reset your system.
7) Eating a proper balanced diet, everybody needs are different so experimenting with different foods to find out what work for your body.
8) Incorporate light walks 10-15 minutes after meals to support your digestive system and alleviate any unpleasant symptoms.
9) Take responsibility for your own well-being, you have to stand up for yourself as no one else will do the work for you. If you don’t look after your physical and mental health, nobody is going to working out on behalf of you nor eating a healthy meal.
10) Follow social media accounts that provides information and support on managing eating disorders, such as @islamandeatingdisorders.
Nadia has shared her experiences on the @islamandeatingdisorders Instagram account, offers additional insights and tips for managing eating disorders. Tips from Nadia:
1) Manage your emotions, and avoid using food as a coping mechanism.
2) Analyse your overall wellbeing and get to know yourself better to live a fulfilling life.
3) Rise again, whenever you get down strengthen yourself and get up again. Remember Allah swt said: "لا يكلف الله نفسا الا وسعها"
Allah will not testify you with something that He is sure you cannot handle it. Every challenge we go through Allah is certain that we can come over it stronger and stronger.
4) Keep your diet simple by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and limiting your intake of processed items.
5) Eat meals with your family and share the experience of nourishing your body together.
6) Recognize that you are not alone in your struggle. Reach out to support groups and communities that can provide understanding and guidance.
7) Embrace self-compassion and avoid harsh self-criticism. Celebrate your small victories and be patient with yourself during the recovery process.
8) Explore alternative coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness practices, journaling, or engaging in hobbies, to address the underlying emotional and psychological aspects of your eating disorder.
9) Reach out to phycologists who can provide help and support throughout the process.
10) Have a strong belief that Allah will not keep you alone and He will guide you to the right path to recover from your eating disorder.
Conclusion
Eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender, including Muslim men. The experiences shared by Waqas and Nadia highlight the importance of addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of these complex conditions. By seeking professional support, reconnecting with faith, and implementing practical strategies, Muslim men can navigate the challenges of
eating disorders and reclaim their well-being. It is crucial to remember that recovery is a journey, and with the right resources and support, individuals can overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger.
