Obsessed with 'healthy eating'? Here's how orthorexia might be 'dangerous' for your health

With so many fad diets and new technology that track our health, it’s easy to get caught up in the obsession with being healthy.

Nowadays, we see countless posts and videos online where people label certain foods as “bad” or filled with “fake ingredients.” This only adds to the pressure to eat perfectly. While a healthy diet is important for your well-being, focusing too much on it can lead to a condition known as orthorexia. This is becoming more common, and research suggests that social media plays a big role in this trend.

The result, eating disorders – in order to become healthier – that do more harm than good.

Read on to know more.


What is orthorexia?

By definition, orthorexia nervosa (more commonly known as orthorexia) is a proposed eating disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with eating healthy food.


Coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman, the term "orthorexia" combines the Greek words ortho (correct) and orexis (appetite), meaning "correct appetite." Individuals with orthorexia become fixated on consuming only foods they consider pure, often eliminating entire food groups or obsessively checking ingredient labels. This behavior can interfere with daily life, leading to malnutrition, social isolation, and significant distress when deviating from their dietary rules.


Signs and symptoms:

Unlike traditional eating disorders that center on weight control, orthorexia involves an intense preoccupation with the quality and purity of food, often leading to restrictive eating patterns that can harm physical and mental health.
The common signs and symptoms of orthorexia are:


Obsessive focus on food quality: Preoccupation with the nutritional value, ingredients, and purity of food, spending excessive time planning, purchasing, and preparing meals, constantly reading ingredient labels, and researching food sources can be common indicators of the eating disorder.

Strict dietary rules: Eliminating entire food groups or types of food deemed "unhealthy" or "impure," rigid meal plans, and avoidance of foods perceived as "bad," and inability to enjoy meals or social events due to dietary restrictions can indicate orthorexia.

Emotional distress related to food: The growing eating disorder can be identified with feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety when consuming foods considered unhealthy, and intense fear of illness or health issues associated with "impure" foods. Mood swings, irritability, or depression linked to dietary choices, too, can be symptoms of this condition.


Physical health consequences: If one is experiencing weight loss or malnutrition due to restrictive eating patterns, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting episodes, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or thinning hair – that can be early signs of the eating disorder.

Social withdrawal and isolation: Avoidance of social gatherings, restaurants, or events involving food, harboring judgmental attitudes toward others' eating habits, or reluctance to accept meals prepared by others due to fear of contamination are also indicative of orthorexia.


How to remedy this eating disorder?

Orthorexia differs from other eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia in its focus. Rather than being driven by a desire to lose weight or change one’s body shape, individuals with orthorexia are primarily concerned with the perceived quality and purity of food. This fixation can lead to restrictive eating habits that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall health.

Treating orthorexia requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. While orthorexia is not formally recognized in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, treatment strategies adapted from those used for other eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive behaviors have proven effective.


Therapeutic interventions:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a cornerstone in treating orthorexia. It helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, nutrition, and health. Therapists work with patients to reframe unhealthy thinking patterns and develop more balanced perspectives on eating. This therapy often includes gradual exposure to feared or avoided foods to reduce anxiety and promote flexibility in eating habits.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on enhancing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience intense emotions and may struggle with self-destructive behaviors. DBT equips patients with tools to manage distress and improve their relationship with food and body image.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP involves systematically reintroducing avoided foods and eating situations in a controlled manner. This approach helps individuals confront their fears and reduce compulsive behaviors associated with food purity obsessions.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT): FBT engages family members in the treatment process, fostering a supportive environment for the individual. It is particularly effective for adolescents and young adults, helping families understand the disorder and collaborate in the recovery journey.

Nutritional counseling:

Working with a registered dietitian is crucial in orthorexia treatment. Dietitians provide education on balanced nutrition and help individuals develop a more flexible approach to eating. They address misconceptions about food and guide patients in reintroducing previously avoided foods healthily and sustainably.


Medication:

In cases where orthorexia co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, medication may be prescribed. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help alleviate symptoms and support the overall treatment plan. However, medication is typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy and not as a standalone treatment.

Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques:

Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, can help individuals manage anxiety and develop a healthier relationship with food. These techniques promote self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are essential in overcoming orthorexia.

Support groups and community resources:

Engaging with support groups, either in-person or online, can provide individuals with orthorexia a sense of community and understanding. Organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offer resources and forums where individuals can share experiences and receive support from others facing similar challenges.

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