WTF is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is a newer term used to describe an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Of course it’s good to be aware of the nutritional quality of the food you eat, but it can become a full blown lifestyle and obsession for others.
Folks suffering with orthorexia become so focused “healthy” or eating “clean” that they start to hurt their own health by causing nutritional deficiencies. This fixation on food can start to hurt relationships, mental health, and their social life. Many people with orthorexia also suffer from OCD.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Constantly checking nutritional labels
Being hyper vigilant about ingredients
Cutting out entire food groups (eg. all sugars, all dairy, all animal products, or all carbs)
Only able to eat a relatively small list of foods that are seen as “healthy” or “clean”.
Takes a lot of interest the nutrition of what others are eating
Spends a lot of time worrying about the food that could be served at upcoming events
A lot of distress when they can’t find ‘healthy’ or ‘safe’ foods.
Obsessive following of food and ‘healthy lifestyle’ blogs on Twitter and Instagram
HEALTH IMPACTS OF ORTHOREXIA
Similar to anorexia, orthorexia involves restriction in the variety, calories, and amount of foods eaten. This leads to malnutrition so many of the health consequences look the same as someone with anorexia nervousa.
If you think you might be struggling with Orthorexia, schedule a call with one of our therapists or dietitians here.