Khaberni - During Ramadan, millions of Muslims commit to a different dietary pattern, which provides a rare opportunity to study how to succeed in changing dietary behavior and adhering to it.
In this context, a Danish study to be published by the journal "Appetite" in the upcoming June, which "Al Ain News" obtained a copy of, reveals the main factors that help fasting individuals maintain successful dietary changes during Ramadan, with the possibility of benefiting from these factors outside the fasting context.
The study, conducted by researchers from Aarhus University, used a qualitative research approach, in which researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 adults at three time stages: before Ramadan, during fasting, and at the end of the month. The interviews aimed to monitor personal motives, challenges, and coping strategies adopted by individuals during the fasting period.
Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, according to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, which allowed a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that govern the commitment to changing dietary habits in the short term.
The results showed that religious motivation, spiritual meaning, and communal participation were the primary drivers of commitment to fasting and changing eating patterns, factors directly linked to the unique features of Ramadan. On the other hand, secondary factors also emerged, such as social support, self-regulation, and building healthy habits, which serve as supporting elements for continuity.
The study identified six main axes that affected the experience of changing dietary behavior, including: religion and spirituality, social and structural factors, physical and psychological sensations, individual capability, factors related to food, and health and weight management.
The researchers concluded that the success of changing dietary habits does not rely solely on motivation but on a balanced interaction between motivation, opportunity, and capability, emphasizing that designing effective health interventions may benefit from linking dietary goals with individuals' core values, enhancing social support, and aiding in establishing healthy habits through repeated practice.
