Orthorexia: when healthy eating becomes an addiction.

Orthorexia is a relatively new eating disorder which is described as “a fixation with healthy or righteous eating”. Although at present it does not have a recognised diagnostic criteria, it is still understood by health care professionals. Consequently, although individuals may not receive a clinical diagnosis of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), it will still be discussed during a clinical appointment.

“An obsession in the pursuit of healthy foods”

Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with ON are focused on the quality of the food compared to the amount of food they consume (like anorexia nervosa). Foods which are considered “processed” or “unnatural” are discarded from the diet. As are any “bad” foods or foods not in their “purest” form. Compared to anorexia nervosa where food restriction causes extreme weight loss, individuals with ON may not appear malnourished. However, when food groups are cut out of a diet due to obsessive behaviours, weight loss and malnutrition can follow.

Whilst some individuals may choose to eat this way, when it becomes an obsession and causes physical, mental and social difficulties, it crosses over to an eating disorder behaviour.

Signs of Orthorexia

It is important to be aware of ON as it can appear as a normal, healthy way of living. There are physical, psychological and behavioural signs to look out for, I have highlighted some below:

• Obsession with a healthy diet
• Judging other peoples diets
• Restricting food groups in an attempt to be healthier
• When the obsession with a healthy diet affects relationships and work
• Feeling guilty or anxious after eating a food regarded as “bad”
• Low energy
• Agitated
• Emotional wellbeing is dependent on the foods cosumed
• Being unable to put aside rules over food even if they want to

For a more in depth list of signs to be aware of, Beat charity shares more here.

Orthorexia causes more harm than good. If this sounds like someone you know, please consider speaking to someone. It can take over your life and cause serious harm both physically and mentally. Food is to be enjoyed and restriction of any kind can be causing more harm than good.