Islamic Attire and Health: Difference between revisions

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Since almost all the daily intake of Vitamin D is from sunlight, exposure there is significant concern for women who wear the burqa or "full hijab". This style of dress, leaving only a very small portion of skin around the eyes exposed, greatly reduces the surface area of the body which sunlight is exposed to and hence reduces the amount of Vitamin D synthesized. Such low rates of Vitamin D production will quickly exhaust the bodies excess emergency stores of Vitamin D contained in the fat and the person will likely go into a deficient state.
Since almost all the daily intake of Vitamin D is from sunlight, exposure there is significant concern for women who wear the burqa or "full hijab". This style of dress, leaving only a very small portion of skin around the eyes exposed, greatly reduces the surface area of the body which sunlight is exposed to and hence reduces the amount of Vitamin D synthesized. Such low rates of Vitamin D production will quickly exhaust the bodies excess emergency stores of Vitamin D contained in the fat and the person will likely go into a deficient state.


Due to this reason, serious vitamin D deficiency is wide-spread in many Muslim majority countries. A study performed by doctors at King Fahd University Hospital in [[Saudi Arabia]], showed that out of all 52 women tested, ''all'' had seriously deficient levels of Vitamin D and were at risk of many serious health problems, despite living in one of the sunniest places on the planet.<ref>Elsammak, M.Y., et al., Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabs. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2010. 42(5): p. 364-368.</ref> Furthermore, in a study undertaken in [[Jordan]], 83.3% of women wearing the most covering style of Islamic dresses were found to be deficient in summer time. This is rather striking when compared to the fact only 18.2% of Jordanian men studied were found to be deficient.<ref>Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.</ref> Jordan, like Saudi Arabia, holds the distinction of being one of the sunniest places on the planet, so the effect of wearing the burqa on Vitamin D levels and health is profound.
Due to this reason, serious vitamin D deficiency is wide-spread in many Muslim majority countries. A study performed by doctors at King Fahd University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, showed that out of all 52 women tested, ''all'' had seriously deficient levels of Vitamin D and were at risk of many serious health problems, despite living in one of the sunniest places on the planet.<ref>Elsammak, M.Y., et al., Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabs. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2010. 42(5): p. 364-368.</ref> Furthermore, in a study undertaken in [[Jordan]], 83.3% of women wearing the most covering style of Islamic dresses were found to be deficient in summer time. This is rather striking when compared to the fact only 18.2% of Jordanian men studied were found to be deficient.<ref>Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.</ref> Jordan, like Saudi Arabia, holds the distinction of being one of the sunniest places on the planet, so the effect of wearing the burqa on Vitamin D levels and health is profound.


====Effect of Ethnicity and Migration====
====Effect of Ethnicity and Migration====
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It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.<ref name="TDCJul12010">Caroline May - [{{Reference archive|1=http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/01/the-burka-may-be-making-muslim-women-fatter-by-discouraging-exercise/|2=2012-03-05}} The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise] - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010</ref><ref name="ANSMar132012">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html|2=2012-03-15}} Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits] - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012</ref> The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref><ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref>  
It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.<ref name="TDCJul12010">Caroline May - [{{Reference archive|1=http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/01/the-burka-may-be-making-muslim-women-fatter-by-discouraging-exercise/|2=2012-03-05}} The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise] - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010</ref><ref name="ANSMar132012">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html|2=2012-03-15}} Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits] - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012</ref> The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref><ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref>  


According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref> (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; [[Qatar]], Saudi Arabia, [[Palestinian Authority area|Palestinian territories]], [[Lebanon]], Albania, [[Bahrain]], [[Egypt]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]),<ref>[[:File:Economist rankings obesity women.JPG|Economist.com rankings for obesity among women]]</ref> and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=14663|2=2012-03-05}} Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese] - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005</ref> Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/gulf-women-hide-weight-under-gowns-2011-01-12-1.341366|2=2012-03-05}} Gulf women hide weight under gowns] - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011</ref>
According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref> (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Albania, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates),<ref>[[:File:Economist rankings obesity women.JPG|Economist.com rankings for obesity among women]]</ref> and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=14663|2=2012-03-05}} Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese] - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005</ref> Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/gulf-women-hide-weight-under-gowns-2011-01-12-1.341366|2=2012-03-05}} Gulf women hide weight under gowns] - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011</ref>


A 2011 study issued by the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Arabia’s largest bank, found that the number of Saudis suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and a survey released by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) in 2010 showed that over 70 percent of the Saudi population are "alarmingly obese".<ref>Nadim Kawach - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/blood-pressure-and-obesity-epidemic-in-saudi-2011-05-02-1.387705|2=2012-03-05}} Blood pressure and obesity epidemic in Saudi] - Emirates 24/7, May 2, 2011</ref> Figures released by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) state that 20% of the population has been diagnosed as diabetic in Qatar, and the disorder is affecting more and more children.<ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref> Some of the health problems associated with obesity include; heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, painful wear and inflammation on weight-bearing joints, breathing problems and sleep apnea.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://nation-health.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/health-problems-associated-with-obesity.html|2=2012-03-22}} Health Problems Associated with Obesity] - The Nation's Health, March 2011</ref>
A 2011 study issued by the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Arabia’s largest bank, found that the number of Saudis suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and a survey released by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) in 2010 showed that over 70 percent of the Saudi population are "alarmingly obese".<ref>Nadim Kawach - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/blood-pressure-and-obesity-epidemic-in-saudi-2011-05-02-1.387705|2=2012-03-05}} Blood pressure and obesity epidemic in Saudi] - Emirates 24/7, May 2, 2011</ref> Figures released by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) state that 20% of the population has been diagnosed as diabetic in Qatar, and the disorder is affecting more and more children.<ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref> Some of the health problems associated with obesity include; heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, painful wear and inflammation on weight-bearing joints, breathing problems and sleep apnea.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://nation-health.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/health-problems-associated-with-obesity.html|2=2012-03-22}} Health Problems Associated with Obesity] - The Nation's Health, March 2011</ref>
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