Skipping meals and fasting are usually considered to be signs of disordered eating—but what about fasting for religious reasons?
During Ramadan, which runs from late February to late March in 2025, Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. In Australia, this typically means fasting between 12 to 14 hours a day, though exact times vary based on location and sunset/sunrise changes. Fasting in Ramadan is associated with prayer and spirituality, and at the end of each day, the fast is broken with a celebration and an opportunity for families to come together.
Could this be a problem for body image?
If young people are restricting and avoiding food for long periods of time, this would normally be a cause for concern. However, given that the purpose of fasting during Ramadan is for religious reasons, and not changing body shape or weight, could it still be a problem?
Most research suggests that fasting during Ramadan does not inherently increase disordered eating risk among adolescents. However, adolescents who already engage in dieting, food restriction or have an eating disorder history may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of fasting.
For young Muslim individuals living in Western countries like Australia, various social and cultural influences—including societal beauty standards—may shape their motivations for fasting. Fasting is not obligatory for those whose health would be compromised, and spiritual leaders can provide guidance on alternatives if fasting is not advisable. For those unable to fast, Islam allows alternatives such as feeding the needy, making up fasts later or engaging in increased acts of worship.
Strategies for supporting young Muslim people during Ramadan
Parents, teachers and coaches can take several steps to promote wellbeing during Ramadan.
For parents:
You know your kids best. If you think there might be any body image issues or dieting prior to Ramadan, it is worth seeking advice from health professionals, and potentially, exemptions from fasting.
- Open communication: Foster open conversations about any struggles they may have with fasting, including feelings of guilt, societal expectations or body image concerns. Normalise the religious exemptions from fasting (e.g. menstruation, illness) to reduce stigma and guilt. Discuss ways to participate in Ramadan beyond fasting, such as charity or prayer, to help those who cannot fast feel included
- Determine their motivation: Discuss fasting motivations and intentions to determine if young people might be motivated to fast based on their desire to change their body weight, rather than being motivated by spiritual reasons. Remind them that fasting is about self-discipline and reflection, not about changing their bodies
- Monitor for warning signs: Watch for excessive focus on weight, food restriction outside of fasting hours or compensatory behaviors, like exercising excessively after meals. Remind young people that it’s okay to break their fast if they feel unwell
- Encourage balanced nutrition: Ensure nutritious meals are available during non-fasting hours. Plan balanced Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast meal) that include nutrient-dense foods to maintain energy levels during Ramadan. Encourage hydration and mindful eating to prevent disordered eating patterns post-Ramadan
- Prioritise sleep: Help maintain consistent sleep schedules despite changed eating patterns
For teachers:
- Educate yourself: Learn about Ramadan practices and potential impacts on students. Do your own reading and have conversations with Muslim students about whether or not they will be fasting, and whether they want to talk about this with the rest of the class, to ensure they can be supportive and inclusive. Allow students to opt out of fasting-related discussions if they feel uncomfortable and be mindful not to frame fasting as an extreme form of self-control in a way that may reinforce restrictive eating behaviours
- Accommodate fasting students: Provide quiet spaces for rest during lunch so that students don’t have to be around others who are eating. Modify physical activity requirements and avoid scheduling intense sports sessions during fasting hours
- Be alert: Watch for signs of fatigue, dehydration or changes in behavior. Watch for signs of a fascination or preoccupation with food or weight, which may indicate an unhealthy relationship with fasting
- Foster inclusivity: Create opportunities for Muslim students to share about Ramadan if they wish, ensuring they focus on the spiritual reasons for this practice
For sports coaches:
- Adjust training schedules: Recognise that fasting athletes may experience lower energy levels and adjust training schedules accordingly. Schedule training sessions before Suhoor or after Iftar when hydration and energy levels are optimal
- Modify intensity: Reduce training load and intensity, especially during hot weather
- Emphasise hydration: Encourage gradual rehydration and fluid intake during non-fasting hours, emphasising the importance of rest and recovery
- Support individual needs: Respect individual decisions regarding fasting and avoid pressuring athletes to train at their usual intensity. Encourage open communication so athletes feel comfortable discussing their needs
By implementing these strategies, adults can help ensure that Ramadan remains a meaningful spiritual practice for Muslim adolescents while safeguarding their physical and mental wellbeing.
Remember that Ramadan is about more than just fasting
While fasting is a key part of Ramadan, the month is about much more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, increased acts of worship, community connection and giving to those in need. Many Muslims use this time to strengthen their relationship with God through extra prayers, reading the Qur’an, and engaging in charitable acts.
For young people, Ramadan can be an opportunity to develop a sense of gratitude, mindfulness and self-awareness, rather than simply a focus on fasting. This is important—especially for those who may not be able to fast due to health reasons—as there are many other ways to participate in the spirit of Ramadan, such as volunteering, making dua (supplication) or supporting others in the community.
If you are concerned that your young person is struggling with their body image or eating/exercise behaviours, don’t hesitate to seek out the support and guidance of a professional. Their GP or the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline (1800 334 673) is a great place to start.
The recommendations provided in this article were informed by this research paper and thoughtfully reviewed by Ayman Islam from the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing. We sincerely appreciate his valuable contributions and expertise.
