In a world where our food is highly processed and contains numerous sugars and chemicals that can do significant harm to our bodies, it is no surprise that so many people opt for healthy eating options.
But this can actually turn into a case of too much of a good thing — when someone spends so much time focused on only eating the things they deem “healthy,” they can actually begin slipping down a slope of obsessive, restrictive eating habits.
Such is the case of orthorexia.
What is Orthorexia?
Coined by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997, orthorexia nervosa is an obsessive fixation on food quality and purity, which can lead to potential physical and psychological harm as a result of stressful restrictions one puts on their own diet.
Unlike other eating disorders focused on the quantity of food consumed, orthorexia is concerned with the quality — those suffering from orthorexia are preoccupied with the nutritional content of their meals, often dedicating significant time and energy to planning, purchasing and preparing what they consider “clean” foods. While a commitment to healthy eating is often beneficial, the orthorexic mindset can quickly become a restrictive and rigid dietary regimen that excludes entire food groups and lacks nutrients.
Orthorexia is described by Dr. Bratman as being different from anorexia in various ways — “People are ashamed of their anorexia, but they actively evangelize their orthorexia. People with anorexia skip meals; people with orthorexia do not (unless they are fasting). Those with anorexia focus only on avoiding foods, while those with orthorexia both avoid foods they think are bad and embrace foods they think are super-healthy.”
One of the key challenges in diagnosing orthorexia is its overlap with socially acceptable behaviors, meaning we exist in a society that often praises and encourages healthy eating. This makes the line between dedication and obsession potentially blurry.
The distinction lies in your relationship with food and the extent to which it disrupts your daily life. For someone with orthorexia, the obsession with dietary perfection can lead to social isolation, as shared meals and dining out become anxiety-inducing or outright avoided. This can have profound effects on mental health, contributing to feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
What are Signs of Orthorexia?
Orthorexia can be difficult to pinpoint because healthy eating is so highly valued in modern society. It is when stress and anxiety, combined with obsessive eating behaviors, are apparent that one might have cause to suspect orthorexia.
Preoccupation with quality and purity of food
One of the primary signs of orthorexia is an intense and obsessive focus on the quality and purity of food. Those with orthorexia often spend excessive amounts of time researching food labels, ingredients and sourcing.
They may only eat foods they perceive as “clean” or “pure,” avoiding anything that doesn’t meet their strict criteria. This can lead to an overly rigid diet and a limited range of acceptable foods, which can be both time-consuming and socially isolating.
Compulsive ingredient checking
People with orthorexia often compulsively check ingredient lists and nutritional labels, sometimes multiple times, to ensure that the food meets their standards. They may avoid foods with preservatives, artificial additives or any ingredients they deem unhealthy. This behavior can become debilitating since it limits food choices and makes eating out or consuming pre-packaged foods challenging.
It is worth noting that while it is not a bad thing to steer clear of foods with high sugar content, lots of preservatives or tons of ingredients you can’t pronounce, it is important to remember that occasionally having an “unhealthy” food item is not wrong — in fact, it can help minimize stress and lead to a healthy mental balance.
Overly concerned with health impacts
While being health-conscious is generally beneficial, those with orthorexia take this to an extreme. They may become consumed with fear about the potential health impacts of certain foods, often believing that eating “impure” foods will lead to severe health consequences. This anxiety can result in a cycle of guilt and shame if they break any of their self-imposed dietary rules.
Isolation as a result of dietary restrictions
The rigid dietary restrictions of orthorexia can lead to social isolation since those focused on this “healthy” eating may avoid social gatherings, restaurants or any situation where they cannot control their food options.
This isolation stems from the fear of encountering foods that don’t align with their dietary requirements, leading to a decline in social interactions and relationships. Additionally, they may feel deep stress and anxiety by not being able to participate in social activities as a result.
Stress related to “breaking” their own rules
People with orthorexia often experience significant emotional distress including guilt, shame and/or anxiety if they consume something they perceive as unhealthy or impure. This emotional stress can become overwhelming, impacting both their mental well-being and quality of life.
The pressure to maintain their strict dietary standards can also lead to increased stress and a relentless pursuit of dietary perfection, which is ultimately unattainable.
Do you suspect orthorexia?
If you believe a loved one is suffering from orthorexia, or you have seen symptoms in your own life, help is available. Reach out to Seeds of Hope by calling us today.
