Orthorexia nervosa refers to a fixation on righteous, or healthy, eating. This disorder can begin as an effort to eat more healthfully, and then progresses to a fixation on the quality and healthfulness of the food eaten. Often, a person who follows an orthorexic regimen will self-punish if foods that are not thought to be healthy are eaten. This punishment might be in the form of even stricter eating or rigorous exercise. Food choices can eventually become so restrictive in calories and variety, that health and social functioning can suffer.
Origin of Orthorexia
The term "orthorexia" was created by Seven Bratman, MD. Bratman used the word to describe his own experience with a fixation on healthy eating. Orthorexia nervosa is not officially recognized as an eating disorder. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, an orthorexic obsesses about the quality of food calories. In anorexia or bulimia, you obsess more about being "thin," losing weight or reducing the quantity of calories. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, this condition can develop in a desire for improving health, increasing a sense of self-control, improving self-esteem, or searching for an identity.
Problems Resulting From Orthorexia
If you are orthorexic, your exact diet may differ from another person with orthorexia. The similarity is that orthorexia is an obsession with clean, and healthy eating. Nutritional problems can develop if you unintentionally reduce calories because your eating regimen is so strict. This can lead to unhealthy weight loss and low energy. You may exclude entire food groups, such as dairy and meat, from your diet. In addition, you are at risk for nutrient deficiencies because you are not eating a variety of foods that can provide you with a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, you may become socially isolated because you spend all your time thinking about food and planning food. Orthorexics can also lose the ability to eat intuitively or know how to eat naturally because they are more concerned with eating specific foods than with eating when hungry.
Identifying If You Have A Problem
You might have orthorexia if you spend a great amount of time on strictly healthy eating and healthy food preparation. You may also be orthorexic if you feel guilty and shame for deviating from your strict healthy eating regimen or use your lifestyle as a way to avoid social and work functions. You should consult a doctor or health practitioner about your concerns.
Recovery
Recovery begins with admitting and identifying that you have a problem. Then you can begin practicing being more flexible with food choices and discussing any emotional or underlying issues with a counsellor or other health professional. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, you should see a professional who is trained in treating people with eating disorders.
Member Comments