Orthorexia nervosa, also known as orthorexia, is a unique eating disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with healthy food. Individuals with orthorexia exhibit a tendency to avoid certain foods based on the belief that they are unhealthy, even when scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Unlike traditional eating disorders, orthorexia does not stem from a desire to achieve weight loss. Instead, individuals with orthorexia meticulously select foods they perceive as healthy in order to maintain a sense of purity. While some experts categorize orthorexia as a separate disorder, others consider it to be a variation of either anorexia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Signs and Behaviors of Orthorexia
Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by a set of obsessive behaviors that revolve around maintaining a healthy diet. Individuals with orthorexia often develop an excessive preoccupation with the connection between their food choices and various aspects of their health, such as mood, digestion, allergies, or anxiety. Despite lacking a medical diagnosis, they may claim to have food allergies and subsequently avoid certain foods. Additionally, most people with orthorexia progressively increase their consumption of herbal remedies, probiotics, and supplements.
As the disorder advances, individuals may take their fixation to extreme lengths by eliminating even nutritious foods from their diet. Some may restrict their food intake to less than ten different items, severely limiting their nutritional variety.
Emotional Effects of Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating, can have significant emotional effects on individuals. In addition to the strict rules and behaviors associated with orthorexia, many people with this disorder also experience symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders, similar to those seen in other eating disorders such as anorexia. These emotional changes often exacerbate feelings of isolation and can lead to more severe anxiety or even panic attacks. It is important to be aware of the emotional symptoms that may indicate orthorexia has progressed into a serious eating disorder: