Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession
Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods that one considers to be "pure" or "clean." Unlike other eating disorders, orthorexia is not focused on weight loss but on the quality of food, and the desire to avoid anything perceived as unhealthy, processed, or impure.
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia involves an extreme focus on eating foods that are deemed “healthy” while avoiding anything that’s seen as harmful or unhealthy. Individuals with orthorexia may spend excessive time researching food labels, avoiding entire food groups, or adhering to rigid dietary rules. They often experience feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety if they break their self-imposed rules.
While eating a nutritious diet is essential for health, orthorexia takes this behavior to an extreme, and it can interfere with daily life and social functioning. It’s also important to note that orthorexia isn’t officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis, but it shares many similarities with other eating disorders.
The Impact of Orthorexia
Orthorexia can have significant physical and emotional consequences. Physically, individuals may suffer from nutrient deficiencies or imbalanced diets due to their extreme food restrictions. Socially, the rigid eating behaviors may lead to isolation, as the individual may avoid social gatherings where food is involved.
Emotionally, orthorexia can fuel feelings of anxiety and perfectionism, as individuals constantly strive for an unattainable ideal of “clean eating.” This can make it difficult to enjoy food or social events, creating an unhealthy relationship with food and eating.
Treatment for Orthorexia
Treatment for orthorexia often involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals recognize and challenge their rigid beliefs around food, while nutritional counseling can help reintroduce a more balanced, less restrictive approach to eating.
Moving Forward with Recovery
Recovery from orthorexia involves learning to find balance, flexibility, and joy in food. It’s important to understand that all foods have a place in a healthy, balanced diet, and no food should be completely excluded. With the right support and treatment, individuals with orthorexia can begin to heal and develop a more positive, sustainable approach to food.
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If you’re struggling with food, body image, or eating behaviors, you deserve care and compassion. You don’t need to wait for things to spiral or reach a breaking point before seeking help. Treatment isn’t about being “sick enough”—it’s about improving your quality of life and addressing the behaviors and thoughts holding you back.
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, especially if you’re questioning whether your struggles are “serious” enough. But the truth is, if you’re even wondering, that’s reason enough to explore help. You deserve a life free from the constant battle with food and body image.
At Side By Side, we approach healing from a holistic, self-compassionate perspective. We empower our clients to rebuild trust in their bodies, discover self-acceptance, and live a fuller, freer life. Together, we’ll help you move forward toward nourishment and peace.