Orthorexia: More Than Wanting to Be Healthy
Orthorexia is a complex eating disorder characterized by an obsessive fixation on healthy eating. In most cases, Orthorexia starts off as a diet that gradually spirals into dangerous behaviors that can lead to serious health consequences. Individuals with this disorder often obsess over the quality or “purity” of foods that they are consuming as well as how the food was processed and prepared. The thoughts and behaviors associated with Orthorexia interfere with everyday life and are detrimental to one’s health.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
We are taught from a young age that eating nutritious foods is essential for our overall health and well-being. Indeed, the National Center for Health Research recognizes that people receive proper nutrients from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy. Eating foods from these groups can improve many aspects of people’s lives. Although children and adults should make sure they are eating an adequate balance of foods to give them their needed energy, it is also important for people to recognize when incorporating healthy eating habits takes over and interferes with their everyday life.
Being overly cautious and concerned about what you put in your body could result in unhealthy, obsessive behaviors, including an eating disorder known as Orthorexia Nervosa. Orthorexia could result when people become overly preoccupied with eating “healthy” and it can lead to serious consequences.
Although people who are diagnosed with other eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa typically focus more on calories, portion sizes, and weight loss, those with Orthorexia tend to develop an obsession with the quality, purity, and health benefits of foods in an effort to create an “ideal” diet. This can ultimately result in the development of anorexic or bulimic symptoms in addition to the orthorexic behaviors. Because Orthorexia can be tricky to diagnose, below are some key signs and symptoms to look out for if you think you or someone you know may be struggling with Orthorexia.
1. Frequently Checking Ingredient and Nutrition Labels: People with Orthorexia are very concerned about the health benefits of the foods they eat. Because of this, they will often check the nutrition labels and research foods to make sure all of the ingredients are healthy and pure.
2. Spending a lot of Time Thinking About Future Meals: It is not uncommon for people with Orthorexia to feel guilty or shameful if they do not thoroughly plan what they will have for each meal or if they eat foods that are not considered pure or healthy. Some people with Orthorexia even obsess over the utensils they will use for a future meal.
3. Avoiding and Eliminating Certain Food Groups: Sometimes people with Orthorexia may try to limit the foods they eat that contain dairy, meats, sugars, or carbohydrates. Others may try to cut out soy or gluten. Some may completely eliminate entire food groups from their diet out of a fear that they are not eating foods that are clean or pure, even if those foods are necessary to maintain good and proper health. Because people may fear that foods from these groups are dangerous and bad, this fear could cause them to stop eating foods that they once enjoyed.
4. Becoming Anxious if Foods are Not Cooked a Certain Way: People struggling with Orthorexia often have a difficult time eating foods that they did not cook or see prepared. This can lead to avoidance of social situations at restaurants or other events that involve food. It is also common for people with Orthorexia to experience anxiety or stress when they are in situations that involve eating someone else’s food or if “pure” foods are not available. People experiencing Orthorexia may also become critical of family members and peers who do not follow a “healthy” or “pure” diet.
5. Developing a Negative Self-Esteem: When people spend so much time, energy, and money making sure they only eat “acceptable” foods, they may become self-critical if they eat foods that they consider unsafe. This can result in the development of body image issues or worsen ones that are already present. Poor body image can further feed into the desire to consume only healthy foods, especially if they fear they will or will not look a certain way if they eat foods that do not have certain health benefits. Following certain social media accounts that promote a “healthy lifestyle” may also worsen one’s self-esteem.
Like other eating disorders, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Orthorexia as early as possible to prevent health complications. Although Orthorexia can be difficult to diagnose, if left undiagnosed, the impact it may have on a person’s health can be detrimental. Treatments for Orthorexia typically involves meeting with a specialized eating disorder treatment team. Other treatments for Orthorexia can include exposure therapy to “fear foods” which the person does not find pure or healthy. Finding a balance in one’s diet is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it is important to be mindful of your eating habits to ensure that “healthy” eating does not become an obsession that negatively impacts a person’s relationship with other people, food, and daily life.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. BALANCE offers clients four distinct levels of care to meet their specific treatment needs including a day program, weeknight program, step-down groups and individual nutrition services. Click the button below to learn more about our programs & services.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!