What is Orthorexia Nervosa? (February 2014)
We live in a culture that emphasizes eat “healthfully”, “unprocessed foods,” “whole grains”, perhaps gluten free if one has Celiac Disease or if you are gluten intolerant. We are told to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and yes they should be organic right? What about fat? Can I eat fat or should I avoid fat? Then we try to eat lean protein sources and we read about free range, grass fed, organic, or hormone free. I can go on and on about the different trends I hear clients talk to me about. They grow their own produce, won’t dine out unless it’s a vegan restaurant, or gluten free or better yet won’t serve their child anything that is not raw or vegan. Did I mention that they juice all their organic produce? This may sound innocent and healthy but it can turn out to be an “unhealthy obsession”.
Orthorexia Nervosa is a term that was introduced by Steven Bratman, M.D. who has a wonderful book called Healthfood Junkies: Orthorexia Nervosa the Obsession to Eat Healthful. As you are reading this you are probably thinking what is wrong with all of these areas to have in my diet? People with Orthorexia Nervosa become fixated on quality and purity. They become rigid, consumed with the amounts they are eating; and this way of eating takes the pleasure away from eating and can interfere with social eating with friends and family in the real world. Also eating this way can certainly make the person feel superior regarding knowledge and food choices in comparison to others since “they have read so much” and are often the experts even if they don’t have the credentials R.D. after their name.
You might ask as you are reading this, “Is Orthorexia Nervosa an eating disorder?” It is not in the DSMV but it has overlapping qualities similar to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa such as calories and weight that eating disorder professionals in my field do use this term without hesitation.
Perhaps the question has entered your mind, “Do I know someone who has Orthorexia Nervosa?” Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if they do:
*Will you not eat if the food is not “healthy” when out with family or friends? (If they can’t accommodate your needs)?
*Do you put yourself on a “nutritional pedestal” by eating the way you eat and wonder how others eat the foods that they do?
Are you constantly seeking out the perfect diet? If so, are you on the hunt for new recipes with those nutritious foods?
Do you feel shame when you stray from your “perfect diet”, or if something is not organic or gluten free?
Do you ever wish you could spend less time thinking and prepping food and just enjoy life?
Do you ever think about periodically eating and not worrying about the food quality?
As you can see, I can go on and on as people with Orthorexia Nervosa are not able to be intuitive eaters, or are rarely able to pay attention to hunger and fullness cues spontaneously. This person is often times isolated.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with eating nutritious or “effective food choices”. When it takes over your life and your family’s life then it is a problem. You would never want it to take over life’s issues where you can’t enjoy your son’s birthday so that you won’t eat the pizza because it’s not raw or whole grain or whatever trend d’jour of the week you are following.
Hopefully by reading this article you will recommend help for that person or yourself.
References
Steven Bratman, MD “Healthfood Junkies” Orthorexia Nervosa”
