What is Orthorexia?
If you or someone you know is struggling with eating disorders, please reach out for support from the list of organisations Emergency Support
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating “pure” food. Food considered “pure” or “impure” can vary from person to person. This doesn’t mean that anyone who subscribes to a healthy eating plan or diet is suffering from orthorexia. It is not currently recognised as a separate eating disorder in a clinical setting. Someone with Orthorexia may take an existing theory about healthy eating and adapt it with additional beliefs of their own. It can be difficult to draw the line between ‘healthy eating’ or ‘clean eating’ and Orthorexia.
Signs and Symptoms of Orthorexia:
Cutting out particular foods and food groups from their diet in an attempt to make their diet more healthy. More and more foods may be cut out over time.
Judgment about the eating habits of others.
Obsession with a healthy (or supposedly healthy) diet.
Increased focus on what they’re eating may interfere with other areas of the person’s life, such as their relationships or work.
Obsession with a healthy or supposedly healthy diet.
Feeling unable to put aside personal rules about what they can and can’t eat, even if they want to.
Feelings of anxiety, guilt, or uncleanliness around eating food they regard as unhealthy.
Emotional wellbeing is overly dependent on eating the “right” food.
Low mood or depression.
Orthorexia’s Impact on Health:
It can lead to physical problems, because someone’s beliefs about what is healthy may lead to them cutting out essential nutrients or whole food groups.
They may feel tired, weak or have a compromised immune system.
If they are losing weight, they may also feel cold.
