Trending right now is the concept of — possibly the obsession with — healthy eating. Avoiding dyes, selecting organic and opting for hormone-free and grass-fed are all common topics of conversation and the standards by which many people choose to eat.
But just like many other things, healthy eating can become too much of a good thing, especially when it turns into an obsession and an unhealthy method of control.
Is obsessive healthy eating a problem?
While it may seem like a beneficial way of planning meals and eating food, there is actually a real mental health condition that exists around obsessive healthy eating. Orthorexia nervosa, often simply referred to as orthorexia, is characterized by a negative fixation on eating food determined to be healthy or pure, to the point of disrupting everyday activities and well-being.
Unlike other eating disorders that focus on the quantity of food consumed, orthorexia focuses on the quality of food. Those affected may spend excessive amounts of time researching nutritional information, planning meals and obsessively checking product labels. They may cut out entire food groups they deem unhealthy, which may actually disrupt the balance of needed nutrients in the body.
What are common signs and symptoms?
The signs of orthorexia are varied depending on each individual and their specific history, but often involve being intensely focused on food quality which leads to self-imposed dietary restrictions. However, said restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition if one’s range of acceptable foods becomes excessively small.
Common behaviors associated with orthorexia include:
- Compulsive checking — Obsessively looking at ingredient lists and nutritional information; this sometimes leads to distress when “unhealthy” foods are consumed;
- Eliminating food groups — Excluding entire categories of foods, such as fats, carbohydrates or dairy, not for medical reasons but based on perceived health risks;
- Isolating behaviors — Avoiding social situations involving food to maintain control over dietary choices, resulting in withdrawal from family and friends;
- Ritualized eating patterns — Establishing strict eating rituals that, if disrupted, cause significant anxiety or distress.
When these signs happen repeatedly and frequently, it may be an indication that a greater problem is present.
What causes orthorexia?
The causes of orthorexia are unique to each individual case, but they so often involve a combination of societal, psychological and personal factors. Some potential causes include:
1. Trends in the culture — The growing popularity of clean eating and diets which are often heavily promoted via social media can influence anyone to adopt extreme health-driven behaviors.
2. Psychological factors — Underlying mental health issues including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and perfectionism can predispose individuals to orthorexia.
3. Personal motives — A desire for control or to achieve self-worth through dietary perfection can also drive individuals toward orthorexic behaviors.
4. Environment — Certain habits in one’s family, possible career influences (such as expectations for athletes and dancers) and other factors in one’s environment may motivate eating behaviors that are more rigid than they are healthy.
Who is most at risk for developing orthorexia?
While orthorexia can affect individuals of any age or gender — eating disorders do not commonly discriminate — certain groups may be more vulnerable. People at higher risk often include:
1. Health enthusiasts — Individuals like athletes, bodybuilders and personal trainers who are deeply engaged in fitness and wellness communities may be more prone to developing orthorexia, as these environments often prioritize and sometimes glorify restrictive eating patterns.
2. Young adults — Teens and young adults are frequently exposed to “perfected” images on social media and societal pressures to achieve an ideal body image, making them susceptible to diet fads and orthorexic tendencies.
3. Professionals in health sectors — Those working in nutrition, dietetics or similar fields may be at risk due to their constant engagement with food-related information and health standards.
What recovery options are available for anyone battling orthorexia?
Since orthorexia is not officially classified as a separate eating disorder in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, treatments are typically adapted from those used for other eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Common treatment methods therefore may include any of the following.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for treating orthorexia. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thought patterns related to food, health and self-worth and encourages the development of healthier attitudes towards eating and body image.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is also helpful, particularly for those who exhibit intense emotional reactions and difficulty with emotional regulation. It focuses on building skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Nutritional counseling
Working with a registered dietitian who has experience in eating disorders is essential for helping reintroduce a balanced variety of foods into one’s diet. Nutritional counseling teaches the importance of food variety, moderation and the nutritional needs of the body and helps reduce fear associated with certain foods.
Medical monitoring
Since orthorexia can lead to nutritional deficiencies and related health issues, regular medical check-ups may be necessary to monitor physical health. This can involve checking for signs of malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances or other related concerns needing medical attention.
Mindfulness and stress reduction
Incorporating practices like meditation, yoga and deep-breathing exercises can help manage anxiety and reduce the compulsive nature of orthorexia. These techniques promote a more balanced approach to food and health by encouraging mindfulness and relaxation.
Therapy groups
In-person or online support groups can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and offer support as individuals work toward recovery.
Family therapy
Involving family members in the treatment process can be beneficial, especially for younger individuals. Family therapy can educate loved ones about the disorder and provide them with tools to support the individual’s recovery journey.
The treatment plan for orthorexia should be personalized to fit the needs of the individual, and it is often most effective when it involves a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.
Seeking recovery?
If yourself or a loved one are in need of support and feel that orthorexia has grown out of your control, help is available. To get in touch with someone who can help, contact Seeds of Hope by calling 610-897-0508 or fill out an online contact form to get started today.
