Understanding Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes Harmful
Healthy eating is undeniably beneficial for overall health and well-being. However, some individuals take healthy eating to an extreme, leading to the development of an eating disorder known as orthorexia. Orthorexia, also referred to as Orthorexia Nervosa, involves an unhealthy fixation with healthy eating, focusing on the quality rather than the quantity of food consumed.
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with consuming foods perceived as pure or healthy. Unlike other eating disorders that prioritize food quantity, orthorexia revolves around the quality and purity of food choices. Individuals with orthorexia may not be driven by weight loss goals but rather by an intense desire for "perfect" eating habits.
Causes of Orthorexia:
While the exact causes of orthorexia are not fully understood, certain risk factors may contribute to its development. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, other eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or perfectionistic traits may be at higher risk of developing orthorexia. Additionally, a sense of lack of control in other areas of life and underlying psychological issues could play a role in the onset of orthorexia.
Diagnosis of Orthorexia:
Diagnosing orthorexia involves assessing an individual's relationship with food and its impact on their daily life. Two key diagnostic criteria include:
Obsessive focus on healthy eating: Individuals may experience heightened emotional responses or distress related to food choices, exhibit preoccupation with making "perfect" food choices, and may feel shame or anxiety if they deviate from their dietary rules.
Disruption of daily life: Orthorexia can significantly disrupt daily functioning, leading to medical issues such as malnutrition and causing distress in personal or social relationships due to rigid food beliefs.
Overcoming Orthorexia:
Addressing orthorexia requires acknowledgment of its presence and seeking professional help from a mental health therapist specializing in cognitive-behavioral restructuring. Treatment focuses on challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food, promoting a balanced approach to eating, and addressing underlying psychological factors contributing to orthorexia.
While mindful eating is beneficial, becoming excessively fixated on food choices to the point of disrupting daily life and causing health issues is concerning. If you suspect you or a loved one may be struggling with orthorexia, seeking treatment is crucial for recovery and overall well-being. Contact us to see how eating disorder therapy can help.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/orthorexia-nervosa-101
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/other/orthorexia
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/orthorexia/