‘Orthorexia’: When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy
Orthorexia, though not officially recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM 5-TR, is a serious form of disordered eating that deserves attention. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), orthorexia is an obsession with “proper” or “healthful” eating. While caring about nutrition is generally a good thing, individuals with orthorexia become so fixated on clean or perfect eating that it actually harms their health and well-being. This hyper-focus can lead to malnutrition and interfere with daily life and relationships.
People struggling with orthorexia often experience severe anxiety around food choices and may isolate themselves socially, avoiding any situation where their “strict” eating habits could be challenged. This obsessive mindset can cause physical harm, like nutrient deficiencies, as well as mental health challenges, such as heightened stress and impaired social functioning.
Here are some signs and symptoms of Orthorexia, according to NEDA:
Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
An increase in concern about the health of ingredients
Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (all sugar, all carbs, all dairy, all meat, all animal products)
An inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed ‘healthy’ or ‘pure’
Unusual interest in the health of what others are eating
A feeling of superiority around their nutrition and intolerance of other people’s food behaviors and beliefs
High levels of perfectionism
Spending hours per day thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events
Showing high levels of distress when ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ foods aren’t available
Obsessive following of food and ‘healthy lifestyle’ blogs on social media
Body image concerns may or may not be present
Psychosocial impairments in different areas of life
If you find yourself overwhelmed by rigid food rules or feel guilt when you don’t follow your dietary “standards,” it may be disruptive to your life. Working with an eating disorder therapist and dietitian can help in developing a healthier relationship with food. Together, your team can guide you toward more flexibility with food, better balance, and to prioritize overall well-being rather than perfection.
