We’ve been told for years that healthful eating is wise. We can spout the numerous benefits to our health in terms of decreased disease risk, improved energy levels, and longer life expectancy, to name a few. Is it possible then, to be too concerned, even obsessed about healthy food, or eating in a healthful way?

Many health professionals would argue that, yes, healthful eating can be taken to the extreme. The term orthorexia was coined in the late 1990s by Steven Bratman, MD, and refers to a, “fixation on righteous eating.” It is important to remember that orthorexia is a non medical term and is not considered a clinical diagnosis or an official eating disorder.  Orthorexia does, however, represent a form of disordered eating which can easily progress into a number of clinically significant physical and emotional problems.  

Orthorexia is described as an obsession with the purity of food, and some health providers see a link to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and to the eating disorders of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN).  Individuals with orthorexia have an unhealthy focus on the quality of food and, as a result, adhere to extremely rigid diets. Symptoms may include eating little to no processed foods, a focus on foods with too much or too little of a given nutrient, and consuming only organic and/or raw foods.  In a culture that often supports fad diets and the general labeling of foods as “bad” or “good”, these symptoms may sound harmless or even common.  In reality, this intense obsession with food purity is anything but harmless. 

Although it may sound like a paradox, as people become obsessed with healthy eating, they can become increasingly unhealthy.  Malnutrition, fatigue, weakness, osteoporosis, digestive problems and damage to internal organs can occur as a result of rigid and obsessive diets.  The emotional distress can be just as damaging. As is the case for many people with eating disorders, individuals dealing with orthorexia spend a great deal of time thinking about food and planning their meals.  A decreased enjoyment of food and eating may also occur.  The rigorous pursuit of “approved” foods can result in social isolation, depression, anxiety, decreased productivity and concentration, and the prioritizing of the diet above all else, including family and friends.   

How do you know if you’ve crossed the line from general attempts at healthy eating to the slippery slope of orthorexia and/or a possible eating disorder?  Listed below are some of the warning signs that could indicate the need for professional support.  Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you…

•  Constantly worry about the quality of food you ingest?

•  Feel superior to others who are less pure in their dietary habits?

• Categorize the majority of foods as dangerous, and only extremely pure, natural foods as safe?

•  Feel extreme guilt after eating “bad” foods that you consider to be unhealthy or impure?

•  Feel very competitive about food and/or criticize the eating habits of other people?

• Spend significant amounts of time each day thinking about or planning food and meals?

•  Eliminate foods you once enjoyed in order to eat the “right” foods?

• Have difficulty eating anywhere but at home due to your dietary restrictions? 

•  Feel more in control when you adhere strictly to your diet?

It’s important to remember that help is available.  Qualified health professionals can assist individuals in finding a comfortable, balanced relationship with food that restores pleasure and enjoyment to eating experiences. If you or someone you know struggle with the symptoms described above, please call The Center for Eating Disorders at (410) 938-5252 to speak with an Admissions Coordinator about treatment options.