Understanding Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes Harmful
Orthorexia isn’t a term you often hear about, yet it’s becoming more common in conversations about health and wellness. In a world where being “healthy” is prized, the lines between mindful eating and obsessive control can blur. But how do you know when clean eating goes too far? Let’s explore orthorexia, a lesser-known eating disorder, and how it compares to others like anorexia. Most importantly, let’s discuss when to seek help.
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is characterized by an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy or “pure.” Unlike anorexia, which focuses on weight loss and body image, orthorexia is driven by the need to consume only what the person believes is “clean” or healthy. This could mean eliminating entire food groups, becoming rigid about how food is prepared, or even being fearful of eating meals not made by themselves.
What makes orthorexia so tricky to spot is that the desire to eat healthily is generally seen as a good thing. We live in a culture that encourages healthy choices, but when these choices become so restrictive that they cause anxiety, stress, or physical harm, there’s an issue.
