Question about fast days

[WestieMamma]

I know that certain groups are exempt but I don't know if this includes me or not. So I get in a stress about it everytime. People with health problems don't fast, so my diabetic mum is exempt. I have an eating disorder connected to being autistic. I have an eating schedule I try to adhere to and a personal alarm which reminds me to eat at fixed times. This is all done through the eating disorders clinic at the hospital. I think I must be exempt on the basis that missing meals is what they are fighting to help me overcome. I know my Occupational therapist would blow a gasket if I told her I wasn't eating for a whole day. So am I exempt?

What religion are you?
I'm no expert on religious fasting but health reasons do exempt you. As you have an eating disorder you absolutely must not fast. There is no spiritual benefit for you in making yourself ill.

I'm Catholic.

Hi I know it's a bit late in the day but I'm catholic too and I definitely think you would be exempt !

Yes you would be exempt. This qualifies as a 'grave or unsupportable burden' for you or your family. If you want to fast, you could fast from eg TV, but you shouldn't take any risks with your health.

I'm Christian and have recovered from an eating disorder, particularly whilst I was recovering I wouldn't fast - it was too emotionally complicated for me, and put toouch stress on my body. Now I do alternative fasts, like fast coffee or TV or the internet. I find that allows me to join in without missing the food my body needs.

I'm not catholic, but I'd personally say you're exempt on health grounds. You could always try giving up something else if that helps you participate :)