What is Orthorexia? Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

• Written by Yash

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Have you ever heard of orthorexia? While most people strive to eat healthily, this eating disorder takes the obsession with clean or pure foods to an extreme. Orthorexia is not just about following a balanced diet; it is an unhealthy fixation on eating only foods perceived as healthy, often leading to nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, and social isolation. Unlike other eating disorders focused on weight loss, orthorexia is driven by the desire to achieve perfect health through an ideal diet.

What is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterised by an obsessive focus on consuming only meals that are considered healthy, pure, or clean. Orthorexia is not primarily about weight loss, unlike other eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia; it is about achieving perceived health perfection through a perfect diet.

People with orthorexia often eliminate entire food groups, spend excessive time planning meals, and experience guilt or anxiety when they get distracted from their strict eating rules. Over time, this obsession can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and mental health issues, making it a serious condition that requires awareness and treatment.

How to Know if You Have Orthorexia?

We all want to eat healthy, but when does “clean eating” stop being a lifestyle and start becoming an obsession? Orthorexia walks that fine line. It isn’t about eating junk food versus salads; it’s about how much control food has over your thoughts, emotions, and choices. Here are the key symptoms that will help you know if you have orthorexia: 

• Obsessive Focus on Healthy Eating - Spending excessive time thinking about food quality, ingredients, and preparation methods.
• Strict Avoidance of Certain Foods - Eliminating entire food groups (e.g., sugar, carbs, fats) perceived as “unhealthy.”
• Anxiety Around Eating “Unhealthy” Foods - Feeling intense guilt, fear, or stress after consuming something outside their diet rules.
• Excessive Time on Meal Planning - Spending hours planning, researching, or preparing “pure” meals.
• Declining Social Life - Avoiding social events or dining out due to fear of eating something “unhealthy.”
• Nutritional Deficiencies - Despite eating “healthy,” the restrictive diet often leads to malnutrition or weight loss.
• Sense of Superiority About Food Choices - Believing their eating habits are morally or physically superior to those of others.
• Physical Health Problems - Fatigue, weakened immunity, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances due to poor nutrition.

What Causes Orthorexia?

Orthorexia does not develop in a single day. It often starts as a simple attempt to eat healthier, but gradually turns into an unhealthy obsession. Here are some of the causes listed below:

• Desire for Optimal Health - Many people start with the intention of eating healthy, but this goal can become an obsession over time.
• Influence of Social Media and Diet Culture - Exposure to “clean eating” trends and influencers promoting restrictive diets can trigger orthorexia.
• Perfectionism and Control Issues - Individuals who have perfectionist tendencies may develop orthorexia as a way to maintain control over their health.
• Fear of Illness or Contamination - An intense fear of getting sick or consuming impure foods can lead to extreme dietary restrictions.
• Past Experiences with Health Problems - People with a history of illness may become overly strict about their diet to avoid recurrence.
• Personality Traits - Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, or a need for order and discipline can increase the risk.
• Lack of Awareness - Misunderstanding the difference between healthy eating and restrictive obsession often contributes to the condition.

How to Treat Orthorexia?

Treating orthorexia requires a holistic approach that addresses both the psychological and nutritional aspects of the disorder. Here are some effective treatment strategies:

• Take Professional Help - Consulting a mental health professional or eating disorder specialist is crucial. Therapy can help change obsessive thoughts about food and reduce anxiety.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - CBT is often recommended as it helps individuals identify and challenge distorted beliefs about healthy eating.
• Work with a Nutritionist - A registered dietitian can prepare a balanced diet that meets nutritional needs without strict restrictions.
• Gradual Reintroduction of Foods - Slowly reintroducing foods previously considered “unhealthy” helps normalise eating habits.
• Mindfulness and Stress Management - Practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
• Support Groups - Joining a support community encourages individuals to share their experiences with others facing similar struggles.
• Medical Monitoring - In severe cases where nutritional deficiencies are present, regular health check-ups and supplementation may be necessary.

Noticing the signs beforehand and seeking help is necessary for recovery. A truly healthy lifestyle is not about strict rules but about creating a balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Final Thoughts on Orthorexia

Orthorexia is a reminder that even healthy habits can turn dangerous when taken to extremes. What begins as an effort to eat healthy can quickly spiral into an obsession that impacts both physical and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with obsessive eating habits, consulting a healthcare professional or nutritionist can make a significant difference. 

Medical expenses, such as therapy sessions, medications, and regular consultations, can add up over time. A good health insurance plan ensures you get the proper treatment without financial stress. Remember, health is not just about what’s on your plate; it’s also about your peace of mind and quality of life.

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