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4 Tips for Breaking Free From Binge Eating

10 April, 2022
Q Salam Aleykum, I am hoping to get some guidance from you. I am diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder, which means in times of great emotional distress, I am consuming big amounts of food to cope and get rid of negative feelings. I am currently waiting for an open space in one on one therapy. Like any other disorders of that kind, I never spoke to anyone about my problem, although it started in my early teens and I only had the courage to let my husband know (as the first person and before seeking help) roughly a year after we got married. His reaction back then was disappointing and disheartening, 'Okay, we will get you a shrink then. It's not like you have cancer.' Until today, almost a year after I came clean, he doesn't have any understanding of the whole issue and just keeps on repeating that I have to do something about it, and I just need a strong will which is putting additional pressure on me. I also don't know the Islamic point of view towards eating disorders and how to deal with them. May you please advise?

Answer

Answer:

As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum dear sister,

Thank you for placing your trust in our ability to propose a solution to your problem. I am glad that you have finally turned to someone with regards to a psychological issue which can greatly impact your physical health. I can understand the emotional distress and unhappiness you must be feeling. I really hope that my answer will benefit you.

First and foremost, manifestation of emotional distress is contingent on us as individuals. We can successfully relieve ourselves from any sort of emotional distress if we remain positive, optimistic, and avoid overthinking. Always remember, the only predictable aspect of life is its unpredictability.

Dear sister, our bodies are our trust from Allah (swt). We are asked to take care of it and seek professional help in times of need. Allah (swt) has blessed us with the ability to rationalize our own actions such that we are not dependent on others. Therefore, dear sister, it is your responsibility to take your well-being seriously.

Next, I would like to ask you to forget about how others react towards your health, even if it is your husband. As you accurately mentioned yourself, your body tempts binge eating under times of emotional suffering. Under such conditions, valuing your husband’s lack of emotional support is a disadvantage towards your emotional distress. It is an unnecessary worry.

Do not take your husband’s reaction to heart. Perhaps he is completely unaware of the psychological roller coaster you go through as a patient of Binge Eating Disorder. Many individuals do not understand the incredible amount of strength required to overcome psychological distress. They simply accuse psychologically-injured individuals as being dramatic or irrational. This is the result of lack of knowledge. Your husband is simply unaware.

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However, if his lack of ignorance is truly disturbing you and adding on to your psychological distress, perhaps you can ask a trusted family/friend to indirectly explain the importance of his acknowledgement towards your emotions and condition. However, you must make sure that they do not make mention of you. Sometimes, a good friend or a trusted family member can really help facilitate emotional understanding. 

To answer your question specifically, the Islamic stance on any distress/disease/sickness is to seek cure from Allah (swt) and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful recovery. We must place our trust in Allah (swt), but we also must tie our camel. Under no circumstances does Islam prohibit seeking advice and help of a professional.

Therefore, for a believer, a health ailment is a blessing in disguise. It leads the believer towards seeking mercy from Allah (swt) while making sure that he/she is becoming conscious towards attaining a healthy body.

From a psychological perspective, one of the best ways to overcome the psychological distress which leads to emotional distress and, hence, binge eating is to constantly be occupied with an activity of some sort. Having a mind always occupied reduces the time that an individual dwells on a thought or a situation which has caused emotional instability. Therefore, make a rigorous schedule, and try to stick to it.

One of the best ways to seek motivation is through exercise. Although there is not much mention of it in the Quran, we can find that the Prophet (saw) himself was a very active personality. He advised all Muslim parents to teach their children swimming, archery, and horse riding. He himself walked at an unbeatably high pace and even often raced with Ayesha (ra).

It is recommended that you spend at least 130-150 minutes/ week exercising. The type of exercise is not limited to a certain activity. Try various sports, or simply walk in the fresh air every day. If possible, try and attend group exercise sessions as atmosphere is a great motivating factor. Exercising regularly also boosts your confidence levels, improves self-esteem, and clears your mind of unwanted, depressing thoughts, and builds motivation and positive mental attitude.

Another method of avoiding temptation is to filter your home of food which is unhealthy and replace with food which is healthy. Unhealthy food, such as chips, burgers, soda, etc., actually lead to release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain stimulating hunger. Therefore, junk food does not truly kill hunger, but rather increases it.

One of the best ways to seek cover from any sort of temptation is fasting. In Islam, fasting is prescribed as a way of training of our mind and body in self-restraints. In the Quran, Allah (swt) says,

“O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you can learn self-restraint.” (Quran 2:183)

However, fasting not only helps relieve the temptations we face surrounding food, but it also facilitates the release of certain hormones which control the behavior.

Most importantly, do not underestimate the power of Istighfar. A simple word such as “Astaghfirullah” is a solution to many problems we face on a regular basis. We are dependent on Allah (swt) as His forgiveness is a way of obtaining bliss in this world and the next.

I hope my answer will benefit you and make you feel more hopeful of the future. In sha’ Allah, you will feel encouraged to strive for the best and overcome your past habits. I wish you all the best. May Allah (swt) ease all your affairs.

Amen,

***

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