Understanding Orthorexia: A Hidden Eating Disorder
Jason Wood was enjoying a vacation with his husband when an seemingly insignificant incident left him feeling angry and distressed. He couldn’t replace the pita bread in his hummus plate with fresh vegetables. This moment was the culmination of twenty years of living with an eating disorder – orthorexia.
Orthorexia isn’t officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, mental health professionals are observing an increase in cases among patients. Jennifer Rollin, founder of The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland, shared her hopes for its addition to the DSM but acknowledges that the process is slow.
Orthorexia involves a fixation on eating “clean” based on specific rules, according to Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, an eating disorder physician and founder of the Gaudiani Clinic in Denver. A 2023 study found that about 30% of participants showed signs of orthorexia.
A Hidden Condition
Despite being focused on healthy eating, orthorexia often goes unnoticed or underestimated due to its disguise. Wood, the director of community engagement at the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), shared his experience of friends and family not raising concerns, sometimes even applauding his strict eating habits, despite his increasing withdrawal from social situations and significant weight loss.
The Dangers of Fixation
Eating disorders, including orthorexia, stem from a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. When individuals prone to such disorders latch onto the idea of eating only “healthy” food, it can evolve into an obsession, according to Rollin. Over time, Wood found himself avoiding parties and experiencing high levels of anxiety due to his expanding list of unhealthy foods and shrinking list of acceptable ones.
The Progression of Orthorexia
For some individuals with orthorexia, their body image may become tied to adherence to food rules. This condition can potentially develop into other disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, according to Rollin.
A Disguised Diet Culture
Gaudiani warns that orthorexia can be a disguise for diet culture, which prioritizes a single ideal body shape and size. The motivations behind orthorexia may appear healthy or preventative, but they often hide the old-fashioned focus on weight loss.
The Impact of Orthorexia
Orthorexia can have significant emotional, social, and financial consequences. It can be expensive, distracting, distressing, and limit one’s ability to focus on broader goals and values. The rigidity of the rules surrounding food can also make it challenging for individuals to find peace in their lives.
Recognizing Healthy Eating
It’s essential to remember that everyone is unique, and what constitutes healthy eating varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. In the past, healthy eating was defined as low-fat diets; currently, high-protein, high-fat, low-carb, and low-sugar foods are often considered healthy. However, it’s crucial not to restrict yourself to one type of food.
The Importance of Balance
A healthy life includes various aspects beyond nutrition, such as rich social relationships, time spent pursuing passions, enjoyable physical activity, and mental peace. Orthorexia rules can hinder one from building a balanced and fulfilling life by isolating individuals from peers due to their food restrictions.
Seeking Help for Orthorexia
If you or a loved one is struggling with orthorexia, know that treatment follows a similar path to established plans for other eating disorders. However, the lack of awareness about this condition may pose challenges when seeking help. It’s crucial to find a therapist with expertise in orthorexia and work on reframing your definition of health and building understanding among friends and family members. The recovery process can be challenging but rewarding, ultimately allowing you to reclaim your life.
