What is Orthorexia?

This eating disorder is in disguise and on the rise. 

Orthorexia is defined as, “an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.”

People who suffer from this ED are often applauded for their "healthy" eating and this is problematic. Individuals who struggle with orthorexia don't always "look" like someone who is struggling with an ED. This is actually a common theme among all eating disorders. Just because someone doesn't "look" like they have an ED, doesn't mean they aren't struggling. 

These people are often known as the healthy one in their group or family and receive a lot of “positive" reinforcement. They can be told, "I wish I was as healthy as you" or "You look incredible, keep doing what you're doing!" This only further feeds into their obsessive health interests and encourages them (or yourself) to continue their extreme food habits and often excessive exercise. 

An ongoing obsession of health can lead to physical and mental health issues. Some signs include:

Extreme stress and worry about food and health: A person can have an unhealthy fixation over the quality of their food and their health. This is essentially the core of orthorexia. Choosing only organic, whole, raw, farm fresh and/or vegan foods. The quantity is often less important than the quality. Overly exercising and constantly worrying about their health is common.

Severe turmoil if “food rules” are broken: If a person doesn’t follow the strict food or exercise regime they have prescribed for themselves, they can feel extreme guilt, anxiety, depression, and shame.

Feeling the need to compulsively check food labels: Choosing foods low in sugar, fat, sodium, etc. to an obsessive level. Also, reading and researching everything listed on the ingredient list on almost everything they eat.

Cutting out specific foods or food groups (not because of an allergy.): This can include carbohydrates, dairy, processed foods, meats, sugars, gluten, and more.

A couple more signs include: obsessively thinking about and planning meals and an unusual Interest in what others are eating.

If you or someone is struggling with an ED or disordered eating, I urge you to seek help. In my experience, working with a nutritional professional like myself is a great place to begin.