The old maxim warning against ‘too much of a good thing’ can now rightly be applied to the realm of Eating Disorders. Science has discovered a new disorder called ‘orthorexia’: an unhealthy fixation on healthy eating…
We live in what might be called the Age of Health Obsession. Look around, and you’ll see indications on every hand: The protein and fibre crazes, the functional foods push, the new campaigns against artificial flavours and colours, the recent rise of the term ‘fake ingredients’…
Fuelled by fear?
As a journalist who tries to keep up with what’s being circulated in the media about my specialty. I’ve noted a significant increase in the number of ‘What Not To Eat’ posts on both news and social media sites.
Like the other major, recognized eating disorders, othorexia seems to be fuelled by fear – the fear that whatever we’re planning to eat may contain ‘bad’ stuff. Or may not include enough ‘good’ stuff.
It differs from the other most common eating disorders, though, in as much as it has no obvious out-ward physical symptoms. Orthorexia is purely an affliction of the mind – which can affect the body of it’s taken to extremes.
A 2023 study archived by ScienceDirect.com offers some helpful self-diagnostic tips:
You may be orthorexic if…
… You find yourself agreeing with too many of the following statements:
| “I try to avoid getting invited over to friends for dinner if I know that they do not pay attention to healthy nutrition.” | |
| “If I eat something I consider unhealthy, I feel really bad.” | |
| “I have the feeling of being excluded by my friends and colleagues due to my strict nutrition rules.” | |
| “My thoughts constantly revolve around healthy nutrition and I organize my day around it.” | |
| “I find it difficult to go against my personal dietary rules.” | |
| “I feel upset after eating unhealthy foods.” |
Perhaps the key tenets an othrorexic sufferer will agree with, wholeheartedly are:
| “I can only enjoy eating foods considered healthy.” |
| “Eating healthy food is more important to me than indulgence/enjoying the food.” |
| “I have certain nutrition rules that I adhere to.” |
| “I like that I pay more attention to healthy nutrition than other people.” |
Whay if you ARE orthorexic?
If you think you may be orthorexic:
- Talk to your family doctor about the official, medically and nutritionally approved guidelines for healthy eating.
- Take a moment to click over to the online version of Canada’s Food Guide, and learn how you can heat healthier AND happier – without worrying about ‘rules’ and what other people think.
(Warning: Blatant Self-Promotional Statement Ahead!)
- Read Maggie J’s Fabulous Food Blog every day, for the latest food, nutrition and health news –
with a common sense perspective!
My take
There’s no reason you should suffer with orthorexia. And there are lots of resources out the to help you get back on the true healthy eating track.
But one of the most dangerous aspects of the disorder seems to be that there are few if any outward signs that a friend or loved one is battling othrorexia. So it’s unlikely anyone will step up and impose an intervention. All the more important for everyone who might be afflicted to be aware of the ‘symp-toms’ and the ‘cures’…
~ Maggie J.