Our bodies are sacred. They’re more than just a list of sizes to scroll through on a shopping website. From body fat percentage to how well our jeans fit after a meal, women and men together are obsessing about their bodies and appearance more than ever before.
A recent study on eating disorders in 13 Middle Eastern countries reported that disordered eating is prevalent among 42.7% of females. Unfortunately, women remain the primary victims of eating disorders.
Eating disorders are a growing problem in the Arab world. With the rise of social media “thinspiration” videos, both young girls and women are torn between believing in the beauty of the soul and obsessing over having a perfect body.
L.M., a 20-year-old woman from an Arab country diagnosed with anorexia for three years, said, “I suffered from anorexia for over three years and only became brave enough to change my habits after my weight reached 37 kilos, and I am tall at 170 cm. I looked scary, and my family was dying every day seeing me wither away. I lost my periods, and my overall health drastically deteriorated.” She added, “During my recovery, I realized that my body loves me because it carries my soul and kept me alive for so long. I mistreated it, and I wanted it to forgive me, which is why I embarked on my recovery journey successfully and without looking back.”
Marwa Abid, a Holistic Nutritionist & Metabolic Health Specialist and the Founder of Pomodoro Nutrition stated, “Our body is more than a vessel for our soul; it’s a complex system linking the physical, mental, and spiritual. The gut-brain axis shows this connection, where the microbiome influences mood and cognition, and emotions impact gut health. Hormonal and neural networks regulate emotions, stress, and physical health. Through proper nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, we can optimize this intricate system and enhance holistic well-being. Our body, an active participant in our health, deserves to be nurtured, respected, and loved.”
She also added, “Unfortunately, most of the time, ‘being healthy’ is mistakenly defined solely by having a good physique. However, true health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental, emotional, and social health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical health, requires mindfulness, intuition, and flexibility, all while avoiding obsession. It’s crucial to prioritize overall well-being over rigid dietary rules.”
It is extremely hard, if not impossible, nowadays to draw the line between being obsessive and being healthy. Social media often romanticizes neutral fixations on body image. Marwa added, “Orthorexia nervosa, characterized by an extreme obsession with healthy eating and overly restrictive behaviors, serves as a cautionary example. While pursuing optimal health, it’s essential to maintain a varied, nourishing diet and avoid social isolation or compromising our quality of life. Enjoying food, nurturing social connections, and listening to our body’s needs are essential for fostering a healthy relationship with food and steering clear of disordered behavior.”
We need to understand that overdoing anything can lead to dire consequences. It is perfectly fine to pursue a healthy lifestyle, but not at the expense of our overall well-being. Striving for health should not result in the exact opposite of our intentions. This means recognizing the importance of balance and moderation. Excessive focus on diet, exercise, or any single aspect of health can lead to physical, mental, and emotional harm. A truly healthy lifestyle encompasses a holistic approach, prioritizing not only physical fitness but also mental peace, emotional stability, and social connections. By maintaining this balance, we can genuinely enhance our quality of life without falling into the trap of obsession.
RECENT COMMENTS