Orthorexia: the Fine Line Between Health & Obsession
Orthorexia is an emotional and behavioral disorder whereby the affected person develops obsessions with one or more of the following:
Healthy eating
“Clean” eating
Special diets
A hyper-focus on how foods are made or the ingredients in foods
Being “healthy”
Restricted eating
Obsession with exercising (or over-exercising)
Orthorexia is considered an eating disorder that, as with other eating disorders, occurs on a continuum. This means that the affected person will experience certain symptoms at one point during the course of the disorder and these symptoms can evolve and change during other periods of the disorder. Changes and fluctuations in symptoms can be related to stressors in the affected person’s life and/or the presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms, which can worsen or increase Orthorexia symptoms and behaviors. Both anxiety and depression often co-occur with eating disorders like Orthorexia. Oftentimes, restricted eating and obsessions with health are associated with the presence of underlying self-esteem issues, fears, trauma, and/or sadness among other emotional concerns.
The symptoms and behaviors of Orthorexia can cause impairments in several areas of the person’s life such as work/school, social interactions and relationships, and/or physical health status. Orthorexia can lead to the affected person missing out on consuming essential nutrients due to the restrictions or strict and limited diet the person adheres to, potentially causing various medical problems and/or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Veganism or adopting a vegan diet (i.e., no consumption of animal meat or any animal product) has increased in popularity particularly over the past decade or so. Many people have become more conscious of the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of adhering to a vegan diet. While some individuals can sustain their nutritional needs on a vegan diet with help from nutritional and/or medical professionals, removing animal products without effectively balancing or supplementing can be dangerous. Veganism can place some people at risk of various health problems due to failure to consume the necessary nutrients. People with Orthorexia are often attracted to veganism and similar diets and “lifestyles" (Keto, Paleo, Whole30, intermittent fasting). These individuals are at greater risk of suffering the potential detriments of their diet, as they may fully commit to it, believing that it is the best way of life while ignoring the fact that they must educate themselves to ensure they are consuming the nutrients their body needs to stay mindful, healthy and balanced.
People with Orthorexia may not appear as if they have an emotional or physical health problem. Eating disorders are often misunderstood with certain visual representations that do not accurately portray that Eating Disorders can affect anyone. They do not discriminate against gender, race, beliefs, socioeconomic background, ability, education, or any other classifying factors. In fact, many times, individuals struggling with Orthorexia can behave and appear competent, physically strong, highly disciplined, and very knowledgeable on health and fitness. To any onlooker, they may appear like “the picture of health and wellness.” It is important to remember that every person has their own individual needs and struggles, factors that their outward appearance can conceal very well.
Some questions I like to ask my clients who struggle with Orthorexia include; “what is the motivation behind what you are eating and doing? What is the motivation behind this meal? What is the motivation behind this form of movement? And more importantly, if these foods or ability to move were unavailable to you, would you be able to go on about your day without having your thoughts consumed by it?
Orthorexia is a serious emotional and physical health problem that can be hazardous to the body from a psychological and medical perspective and can significantly affect quality of life. There are many treatment approaches available that target not only the behavioral aspects that maintain the disorder, but also the underlying emotional struggles that the individual has that are often masked by a hyper-focus on a strict and structured lifestyle. The affected person can learn, with the help of a therapist, to gradually build awareness of the harm associated with Orthorexia and can learn to develop alternative and healthier cognitions and behaviors based on self-love and self-care.
If you suspect you struggle with or have questions about Orthorexia, feel free to contact my office.
After all, the first step to clarity and peace of mind is to #JustBegin
