Orthorexia
Is an obsession with healthy eating, really healthy? The term ‘orthorexia’ was coined in 1998 and means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The term ‘orthorexia’ was coined in 1998 and means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating.
Without formal diagnostic criteria, it’s difficult to get an estimate on precisely how many people have orthorexia, and whether it’s a stand-alone eating disorder, a type of existing eating disorders like anorexia, or a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Studies have shown that many individuals with orthorexia also have obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Although being aware of and concerned with the nutritional quality of the food you eat isn’t always a problem in and of itself, people with orthorexia become so fixated on so-called ‘healthy eating’ that they actually damage their own well-being.
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Each person will have a unique journey to recover from their eating disorder. Working with a therapist will allow you to understand the role of your eating disorder and to learn how to cope healthily without relying on your disordered behaviors. Additionally, you may work with a physician, psychiatrist, and/or dietitian to address all areas of your wellbeing.
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Therapy can be a beneficial resource for many people, but is especially helpful for those in recovery from an eating disorder. While there are many reasons, some of the main ones include understanding the factors that led to the development of their eating disorder, treating co-occurring condition such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, developing a better self-esteem and building confidence, addressing body image concerns, address family issues and strengthen relationships, and building coping skills to maintain recovery.
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Yes, absolutely! We are happy to work with clients stepping down from higher level of care that are looking for support to continue their recovery journey.
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Meeting with a therapist and discussing the thoughts and behaviors you are experiencing is the first step to diagnosing an eating disorder.
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Eating disorders including anorexia are believed to result from a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. A useful way of thinking about what causes an eating disorder is to distinguish predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors that contribute to its onset and maintenance.
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Simply finding yourself on this page means there may be a small part of you that may be ready to recover. We welcome you to book an appointment with one of our therapists to discuss where you are and provide an opportunity to explore what recovery means and what you may be fearful of.
Signs of Orthorexia:
Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
An increase in concern about the health of ingredients
Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (all sugar, all carbs, all dairy, all meat, all animal products)
An inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed ‘healthy’ or ‘pure’
Unusual interest in the health of what others are eating
Spending hours per day thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events
Showing high levels of distress when ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ foods aren’t available
Obsessive following of food and ‘healthy lifestyle’ blogs on Twitter and Instagram
Body image concerns may or may not be present
Ready to explore recovery?
Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our therapists. Let’s work together to help you navigate recovery so you can be more connected to yourself, others, and the life you want to live.