Ramadan Bazaar and Ramadan Buffets: The Possible Influence on Eating Behavior and Health among Malaysian Muslims

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Nutrition Program, School of Health Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Ramadan is one of the special months for Muslims all over the world. During Ramadan, able‐bodied Muslims are abstained from eating, drinking and even smoking from dawn to sunset. In Malaysia, the duration of fasting are normally around 13 hours at any time of the year as it is located near the equator. The altered food intake timing and long period of fasting do influence on eating behavior of fasting individuals. This is especially on those who do not know the right meals to eat during the time of breakfast. Hence, this issue may favor those intended to organize Ramadan Bazaar along the streets and Ramadan buffets in hotels. The implications of these two phenomena which create an abundant food environment may lead to food wasting, binge eating and overeating. However, this may benefit the country’s economy; the Muslims need to be mindful that Ramadan is a month of moderation. Hence, the food carnivals during Ramadan need to be observed wisely for the benefit of the ritual and in point of view of population health.

Keywords

References

Department of Statistics Malaysia Population distribution and basic demographic characteristics. The 2000 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia. The World Bank. Data Malaysia. 2013. Sidik SM, Rampal L The prevalence and factors associated with obesity among adult women in Selangor, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia (2013) Events and festivals: Ramadan Bazaar.
Swinburn, Boyd (2009) WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention annual report, 2009-2010, WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention. WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention Annual Report (2010). Sadiya A, Ahmed S, Siddieg HH, Babas I J, Carlsson M Effect of Ramadan fasting on metabolic markers, body composition, and dietary intake in Emiratis of Ajman (UAE) with metabolic syndrome. Shehab A, Abdulle A, El Issa A, Al Suwaidi J, Nagelkerke N Favorable changes in lipid profile: the effects of fasting after Ramadan. Bakhotmah BA The puzzle of self-reported weight gain in a month of fasting (Ramadan) among a cohort of Saudi families in Jeddah. Malaysian Dietitians’ Association Five tips to survive the Ramadan Bazaars. 2013.
Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
December 2013
Pages 43-45

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 July 2013
  • Revise Date: 22 July 2013
  • Accept Date: 26 July 2013

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