Doha: Food consumption during Ramadan increases especially when breaking the fast, a psychologist said, adding, “don’t overindulge, remain active and spend time on spiritual growth”.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Psychologist Sobia Agha Rahman from Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar (WCM-Q) said individuals “may indulge a little and it’s very natural to share in a communal meal and try a little bit of everything, which over the course of the month can lead to some weight gain”.
Overeating can adversely affect your health. “Overeating can not only harm the body but it is thought to also interfere with other aspects of Ramadan that we want to engage in, like staying active and spending time on spiritual growth,” Rahman stressed.
She gave tips on how to control this: Don’t skip the morning meal and choose foods wisely to sustain you throughout the day; Hydrate! This is especially important as the days get hotter in the region; and to be mindful of your portions.
And the secret to not overload meal is balance and self-control. Rahman said one should find a balance between physical and spiritual needs.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said on its website that people can experience health problems in Ramadan due to eating beyond the level of fullness at the time of breaking their fast. As a result, it sees an influx of patients with gastrointestinal ailments at Hamad General Hospital’s (HGH) Emergency Department.
And among the common ailments it has observed is abdominal pain. “This happens when people eat very quickly immediately after the Maghrib adhan (call to prayer) is given. A large amount of carbohydrates in meals makes people bloated and this is what most frequently results in stomach pains,” it explained.
Rahman, who is also a Board Member of Middle East Psychological Association Qatar Chapter, also said, “Ramadan is a time for celebration and spiritual growth. We are full of optimistic energy, and we set many goals for ourselves. Sometimes, we fluctuate in our resolve to meet those goals due to trying to maintain our health and balancing our everyday responsibilities. It’s helpful to plan ahead and remember a few tips to keep your mind and body healthy!”
