Orthorexia is a relatively new eating disorder that involves an obsession with healthy or “clean” eating. While striving for a healthy lifestyle is generally a positive goal, orthorexia takes it to an extreme.

People with orthorexia become fixated on consuming only the purest and most nutritious foods, and they may experience significant anxiety or distress when confronted with anything they perceive as unhealthy. In this article, we will explore the signs and symptoms of orthorexia.

1. Excessive focus on food quality

Individuals with orthorexia are hyperfocused on the quality of the food they consume. They may spend an excessive amount of time researching and reading labels to ensure their food choices meet their standards of healthiness.

2. Strict dietary rules

Those with orthorexia often develop strict and rigid dietary rules for themselves, eliminating entire food groups or categories in an effort to follow their idea of a healthy diet. This can lead to a limited and restrictive eating pattern.

3. Obsession with food preparation

Preparing meals becomes a time-consuming and meticulous process for individuals with orthorexia. They may spend hours planning, shopping for, and cooking meals to ensure they meet their strict standards of cleanliness and healthiness.

4. Anxiety and guilt surrounding food

There is often a high level of anxiety and guilt associated with food choices in individuals with orthorexia. They may feel extreme distress or panic when faced with the prospect of eating something they consider unhealthy or impure.

Due to their strict dietary rules and anxiety surrounding food, people with orthorexia often find it challenging to participate in social activities that involve eating out or sharing meals with others.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from friends and family.

6. Perfectionism and control

Orthorexia is often tied to a desire for control and perfectionism. The strict dietary rules and obsession with food quality provide a sense of control in an individual’s life, offering reassurance and stability in an otherwise chaotic world.

7. Physical symptoms

Orthorexia can manifest in physical symptoms such as weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, and impaired immune function. These symptoms can be a result of the limited variety and quantity of foods consumed.

8. Preoccupation with body image

Individuals with orthorexia may also have a preoccupation with body image.

They may see themselves as being healthier and more virtuous than others based on their restrictive dietary choices, and hold unrealistic expectations regarding their physical appearance.