What is Orthorexia Nervosa?
Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by an excessive and unhealthy preoccupation with eating ‘clean’ or ‘healthy’ foods.
Individuals with orthorexia have an intense focus on the quality and purity of the food they consume, often to the point where it becomes an obsession. They may spend excessive amounts of time and energy researching, planning and preparing their meals, and feel extreme anxiety or guilt if they deviate from their self-imposed strict dietary rules.
While a focus on healthy eating is generally a positive behaviour, orthorexia becomes problematic when it begins to interfere with a person’s daily life, relationships and overall well-being. Some common signs and symptoms of orthorexia may include:
- Obsessive concern over the quality and composition of food
- Strict adherence to self-imposed dietary rules and restrictions
- Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about, planning and preparing meals
- Feeling anxious or guilty when unable to adhere to strict dietary rules
- Social isolation and avoidance of situations that involve food
- Negative impact on physical health, such as nutrient deficiencies or weight loss
- Impaired ability to enjoy food or participate in social activities related to eating
It’s important to note that orthorexia is not officially recognised as a clinical diagnosis. However, it is still considered a significant and debilitating condition that can have serious physical and psychological consequences.
Search the Tredd directory here
To find qualified professionals who can help create a treatment plan, use the Tredd directory to get specialist support near you.
