Orthorexia is a term coined by an American physician Dr. Steven Bratman, used to describe the disorder where a person becomes obsessed with consuming only healthy and pure food.

The term comes from the Greek words ‘ortho’ meaning ‘straight’ or ‘correct’ and ‘rexia’ meaning ‘appetite’.

How does Orthorexia develop?

Orthorexia usually starts with someone taking an interest in healthy eating, such as eliminating processed foods and increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables.

However, this interest can escalate into obsessive behavior as the person restricts their diet to the point where it starts to impact their social relationships, work, and leisure activities.

People with Orthorexia can become fixated on the quality and purity of their food, often spending hours researching and planning their meals, and may become intolerant of foods outside of their strict guidelines.

This can lead to the point where the person stops attending social events where food is present, causing them to become isolated.

What are the Symptoms of Orthorexia?

Orthorexia is not yet classified as a formal clinical disorder, but it shares symptoms with other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Symptoms of Orthorexia may include:.

A preoccupation with the quality and purity of food
A need to scrutinize and control every single ingredient that goes into their food
Spending more than three hours per day thinking about and planning your meals
Avoiding social situations and events where food is served
Feeling guilty or anxious when eating food that does not meet their strict diet guidelines
Experiencing physical or mental side effects due to your strict eating habits
Developing extreme fear or anxiety when it comes to eating outside meals that aren’t at home or aren’t made by the individual

How is Orthorexia defined?

Orthorexia is not currently classified as a formal clinical diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

However, it is a subject of increasing concern among the medical community because it can lead to malnutrition and social isolation.

Even though Orthorexia is not a formally recognized disorder, it is important to recognize the signs of an unhealthy fixation on healthy eating before it becomes a severe issue.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of Orthorexia, please seek professional help.

Dangers of Orthorexia

Orthorexia can lead to many physical and mental health complications, including:.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies from a restrictive diet
Anemia or other blood disorders as a result of a lack of proper nutrition
Liver and kidney damage from high levels of vitamins, minerals, and supplements
Depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Social isolation and relationship issues due to avoidance of social settings with food

Diagnosis of Orthorexia

There is no specific testing or diagnosis for Orthorexia, but it is often diagnosed based on the presence of the symptoms listed above.

Mental health professionals may ask about the presence of particular behaviors and thoughts regarding food and eating habits to help determine if a diagnosis of Orthorexia is appropriate.

The treatment for Orthorexia is similar to that of other eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.

It often includes psychotherapy and counseling to address obsessive thoughts and behaviors towards food and a Registered Dietician to help with restoring proper nutrition.

Preventing Orthorexia

Preventing Orthorexia involves promoting a healthy and balanced relationship with food. It is essential to educate the public that extreme diets and enforcing dietary rules can be harmful.

Developing healthy eating habits that aren’t isolating which help support healthy social connections is important to people’s mental health.

Conclusion

Orthorexia is a relatively new term, and there is still much to learn about the disorder and to encourage those who may be struggling with it to seek help.

While healthy eating is crucial to maintain a good standard of living, taking the necessary steps to prevent extreme food restriction, especially without consulting a medical practitioner, is highly encouraged.