Understanding Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession
What someone considers “healthy” or “clean” eating, may actually be an eating disorder in disguise (or masking potential disordered eating.)
Taking Clean Eating Too Far
A common trend in recent years has been the idea of “clean” eating. This is when someone chooses to only eat foods considered “clean,” which is essentially anything that isn't packaged or has what the person considers “bad” ingredients.
All over social media we have influencers shouting so-and-so ingredient is harmful, we can't pronounce it so it must be bad, or other general fear mongering tactics. Clean eating or the obsession over limiting and restricting many foods because they are deemed “unhealthy,” is just one of the many things influencers preach.
A recent study has shown that increased instagram use can actually be harmful to our view of health. Many individuals within the healthy eating community on social media have a high prevalence of orthorexia, or can increase the symptoms. Social media has a large impact on our psychological well being because of the influence it can have on our body image and food choices.
Why Restricting Can Be Harmful
Restricting our food choices can actually be harmful to our overall health. There are many ways we can restrict that many would consider a specific diet. This includes: the ketogenic diet, carnivore diet, low carb diet, slim fast diet, raw vegetable diet, and even being vegan and vegetarian. When we choose to eliminate things from our diet, it is restricting essential nutrients we may be missing and we may not be able to obtain a well balanced and varied diet.
For those suffering from orthorexia, they are restricting foods that can be beneficial to their overall diet and also psychologically beneficial! Having a piece of cake at a special celebration creates memories and community, or choosing to grab a protein bar when you’re running low on time can help you get in food to fuel your day.
Some of the physical manifestations of severe restriction include: fatigue, hair loss, gastroparesis, cold hands and feet, malnutrition, weakened immune system, osteoporosis, and psychologically, it can cause depression and anxiety symptoms.
Orthorexia Signs and Symptoms
Orthorexia is currently not recognized as a diagnosable eating disorder, despite the rising prevalence of its symptoms. Because of this, there are no standardized diagnostic tools for providers. With that being said, there are proposed diagnostic criteria and certain signs and symptoms to be aware of.
These signs and symptoms are: an intense preoccupation with quality and purity of food, excessive focus on nutritional content of meals, rigid dietary rules and restrictions, and a significant impact on lifestyle due to these behaviors. There may also be severe anxiety and distress due to these strict dietary rules.
There is a potential overlap of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) and Anorexia Nervosa however, ON does not typically involve an intense fear of gaining weight or body dysmorphia.
Individuals at risk for Orthorexia Nervosa include perfectionism, OCD, neuroticism, a need for control or orderliness, low self esteem, or body dissatisfaction.
Psychological Impacts of Orthorexia & Disordered Eating
Not only can Orthorexia Nervosa lead to increased anxiety and depression, but it can also affect quality of life and social functioning. The obsessive and constant thoughts about food and strict rules towards it can dominate space in your mind and make it harder to focus on work, or engage in social activities or meals with friends.
This may lead to social isolation because of increased anxiety around food, which could make relationships harder to keep. Losing relationships with friends and family due to dietary choices may often lead to loneliness, depression, and a loss of personal well being.
Reach Out
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of Orthorexia, or an eating disorder, reach out to mental health professionals and/or eating disorder dietitians. You don’t have to go through it alone!
We are here to help! If you would like to improve your relationship with food or incorporate healthy eating patterns, reach out through Fay to create an appointment. Also, check out our other resources like our blog posts or Balanced on a Budget recipe plans for purchase!
Some Resources:
Eating Disorder Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235
Suicide and Crisis Helpline: call or text 988