This is what you should know about orthorexia
OrthorexiaOrthorexia nervosa, also known as an eating disorder, is a disorder in which a person has an unhealthy focus on eating healthily. While eating nutritious foods is a good choice, when a person begins to obsess over it to the point that it can harm their overall well-being, it is known as orthorexia.
Risk factors for orthorexia
Anyone can develop this eating disorder, however, there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing the condition. Below, take a look at these factors.
Biological factors
Having a close relative with an eating disorder, history of dieting, or type I diabetes.
Psychological factors
The idea of perfectionism, dissatisfaction with your body or a history of anxiety.
Social and cultural factors
Being teased or bullied for their weight, having family traumas that span generations (as is the case with Holocaust survivors), or accepting the idea of an “ideal” body.
Symptoms of orthorexia
Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of orthorexiaaccording to WebMD.
- Worry about food quality: High levels of concern about the quality and origin of the food you eat may lead to anxiety.
- Fear of illness: You worry about whether food is “clean” or “bad” for your health.
- Show physical signs of malnutrition: If you limit the variety of foods you eat, you may not get all the nutrients you need and may lose weight as a result.
- Dive into food research: People with orthorexia may spend hours thinking about food and planning meals.
- Refusing to eat a wide variety of foods: People with orthorexia may decide to eliminate entire categories of food from their diet. For example, they may stop eating grains or any foods with preservatives, gluten, or sugar.
- Fear of losing control: You feel like you’re doing the right thing by eating healthy, but you may also be afraid that eating even a meal you didn’t prepare could be disastrous.
- Be overly critical of your friends’ food choices.
- Avoid eating out or avoid eating foods prepared by others for fear that foods you don’t prepare will not meet your standards.
Ways to overcome orthorexia
While overcoming orthorexia can be difficult, there are still steps you can take that can help manage it. Below are some of the ways to manage your eating disorder.
Recognize the problem
Recognizing that you suffer from orthorexia is the first step. Understand that focusing too much on “healthy eating” can be harmful and negatively affect mental well-being.
Seek professional help
Consulting a therapist, especially one who specializes in eating disorders, can provide valuable guidance. Nutritionists can help you develop balanced eating plans without rigid rules.
Challenge Food Rules
Start questioning the rules you have about food. Slowly start eating foods you have labeled as “bad” to rebuild a healthy and flexible relationship with food.
Practice mindful eating
Focus on eating mindfully rather than obsessing over nutritional content. Enjoy flavors and textures and reconnect with your body’s natural hunger cues.
Change your perspective on food
Shift your focus from eating perfectly to eating for overall well-being, including social enjoyment and balance.
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