Similar to other eating disorders, orthorexia carries serious consequences. Individuals with orthorexia become overly fixated on consuming only healthy foods, to the point where it has a detrimental impact on their overall well-being. Orthorexia is a complex condition that has yet to be fully comprehended. In certain instances, it may be associated with other disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and various eating disorders.
What is orthorexia nervosa?
Orthorexia nervosa, also known as orthorexia, is a harmful fixation on healthy eating. Coined by American physician Steven Bratman, the term literally means “obsession with righteous eating.” Although orthorexia is not officially recognized as an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the excessive preoccupation with scrutinizing every ingredient in one’s diet, severely restricting food choices, and striving for a “perfect” diet can have serious physical and mental health repercussions.
Although some of these diets can promote good health, orthorexia takes them to an extreme level by imposing excessive restrictions. This can result in severe weight loss, malnutrition, and various health problems. However, the repercussions extend beyond the physical realm. Orthorexia disrupts daily functioning, hampers social activities, strains relationships, and causes intense emotional distress.
What are the signs and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa?
If you are dealing with orthorexia, you may experience the following:
Concern about food quality: Excessive worry about the quality and sources of your food can lead to anxiety.
Avoidance of eating out: A tendency to avoid eating food prepared by others due to a fear that it won’t meet your strict standards.
Physical signs of malnutrition: Limited food variety can result in inadequate nourishment and weight loss.
Obsession with food research: Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about food and planning meals.
Restriction of food categories: Eliminating entire food groups or types of food from your diet based on perceived healthiness.
Fear of losing control: Believing that any deviation from your strictly controlled diet can have disastrous consequences.
Harsh judgment of others’ food choices: Being overly critical of what others eat, without rational explanation for your own choices.
Caught in a cycle: Being trapped in a cycle of fluctuating between self-acceptance and guilt as you continuously modify and restrict your diet.
What are the possible causes of orthorexia nervosa?
The causes of orthorexia, like those of other eating disorders, are complex and multifaceted. According to a study, orthorexia affects less than 1% of Americans, indicating its relatively low prevalence. However, another study suggests that the disorder is more prevalent among individuals who follow Instagram influencers promoting “clean” foods and healthy living.
While the initial aim may be to improve health, food often becomes a tool to address underlying issues. Some possible underlying causes include:
Fear of illness or health complications.
Personal experiences, such as a health scare or the observation of symptom improvements after eliminating certain foods, can contribute to a heightened fear of illness. While a healthy diet can have positive effects on longevity, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the overall reasons for wanting a long and healthy life.
Formation of identity.
Present-day communities often revolve around specific dietary movements, such as vegetarianism or veganism, driven by environmental concerns. While having a support group to promote healthy habits is beneficial, it’s important to consider whether one’s eating habits isolate them from friends and family or cause them to become overly dependent on food for identity. It’s crucial to nurture other aspects of identity that contribute to being a well-rounded individual.
Desire for control.
The need for strict control over one’s diet may be an attempt to compensate for other areas of life that feel uncertain or overwhelming. Recognizing and addressing underlying fears and anxieties can help regain a healthier perspective on control and unpredictability.
What are the available treatments for orthorexia nervosa?
The treatment approach for orthorexia nervosa differs slightly from that of other recognized eating disorders, mainly because it has not yet been officially classified as a distinct diagnosis. Consequently, individuals grappling with orthorexia may receive a misdiagnosis of anorexia nervosa or be diagnosed with Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED) to ensure insurance coverage for treatment. While this enables individuals to access treatment, it can result in miscommunication regarding their specific symptoms.
While researchers and treatment professionals continue to clarify these distinctions, individuals struggling with orthorexia need not wait to seek support. Evidence-based treatments that have been effective for various eating disorders, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Treatment, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are showing promise in addressing orthorexia nervosa as well.
If you or someone you care about is currently dealing with the orthorexic tendencies described above, it is important not to downplay or judge these challenges. Instead, recognize the difficulties you are facing, and give yourself permission to prioritize self-care by seeking help. You can visit Mindshift Psychological Services to start your treatment and to identify if there are co-occurring conditions. Contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.