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Although a balanced diet and awareness about the nutritional quality of the food you eat are desirable due to their positive impact on health, obsessive fixation on so-called ‘healthy eating’ may become pathological and have negative effects on well-being. This condition is known as Orthorexia Nervosa or Orthorexia.
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ToggleAmerican physician Steve Bartman defined orthorexia in 1997 in Yoga Journal, and subsequently in his book entitled Health Food Junkies.
The term orthorexia comes from the Greek words: orthos – ‘normal’, and orexia – ‘appetite’.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual does not formally recognize it. So, if someone with the symptoms visits the doctor, they would not officially diagnose them with “orthorexia,” although they may discuss the term.
A person with orthorexia is fixated on eating “pure” food to an excessive degree. They reject a variety of foods for not being “pure” enough. Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, which focus on the quantity of food or weight control, orthorexia revolves around the quality of food.
Eventually, people with orthorexia begin to avoid foods such as those with artificial additives, foods treated with pesticides, or particular ingredients (e.g. fat, sugar, or salt).
Related: Orthorexia vs. Anorexia
There are various assessment tools available for orthorexia. A quick test can be assessed here.
The most common signs and symptoms experienced by a person with orthorexia are:
Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not formally recognize orthorexia as an eating disorder, researchers have proposed diagnostic criteria to identify it. Some common criteria include:
The recent global phenomenon of ‘clean eating’ celebrates and encourages orthorexia behaviors.
Studies say that an important role in the development of eating disorders is played by the media and the way in which information about “food purity” is disseminated.
Individuals influenced by this may unknowingly slip into disordered eating patterns.
With the right support, many people who experience symptoms of orthorexia can go back to having healthy, joyful, balanced relationships with food.
Treating orthorexia typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. Some common treatment strategies include:
If you or someone you care about is potentially experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s important to speak to a health professional as soon as possible.
References:
1. Gortat, M., Samardakiewicz, M., & Perzyński, A. (2021). Orthorexia nervosa – a distorted approach to healthy eating. Psychiatria Polska, 55(2), 421-433. doi:10.12740/pp/125387
2. Hyrnik, J., Zasada, I., Wilczyński, K., Jelonek, I., & Janas-Kozik, M. (2021). Orthorexia – current approach. A Review. Psychiatria Polska, 55(2), 405-420. doi:10.12740/pp/115149
Dr. Nishtha, a medical doctor holding both an MBBS and an MD in Biochemistry, possesses a profound passion for nutrition and wellness. Her personal journey, marked by significant struggles with physical and mental health, has endowed her with a unique empathy and insight into the challenges countless individuals face. Driven by her own experiences, she leverages her background to offer practical, evidence-backed guidance, empowering others on their paths to achieving holistic well-being. Dr. Nishtha truly believes in the interconnectedness of the mind and body. She emphasizes the significance of understanding this connection as a crucial stride toward attaining balance and happiness in life.