Orthorexia nervosa manifests as an extreme fixation on healthy eating accompanied by restrictive behaviors. Here are its symptoms and the impact it can have on your overall well-being.
If you find yourself dedicating significant time to shopping and researching for pure and healthy foods, experiencing anxiety or guilt after consuming foods you deem unhealthy, or avoiding social gatherings to evade meals you consider unhealthy, you may be showing signs of an eating disorder known as orthorexia nervosa. This disorder is characterized by an intense fixation on healthy eating accompanied by restrictive behaviors. We consulted with our expert, Dr. N Vijayshree, Dietician at MGM Healthcare
What does Orthorexia mean
“Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, as described by Dr. Vijayshree, is an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy fixation on consuming only foods perceived as healthy. While prioritizing nutritious eating is positive, individuals with orthorexia take it to an extreme that can negatively impact their overall well-being.
Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, which focus on food quantity, orthorexia revolves around food quality. Those with orthorexia prioritize the perceived healthiness of their diet over weight loss or body image concerns. They are fixated on purity, cleanliness, and the perceived benefits of healthy eating.
According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), individuals with orthorexia meticulously avoid foods processed with chemicals, artificial sweeteners, or high levels of potentially harmful components like saturated fats, salt, or sugar, regardless of cost. They hyper-focus on methods and ingredients associated with preparing healthy foods.”
Indications of Orthorexia
Dr. Vijayshree outlined the symptoms of orthorexia as follows:
1. Fixation on purity: Being overly concerned with consuming foods perceived as pure, organic, natural, or whole, often resulting in strict dietary regulations and limitations.
2. Compulsive behavior: Constantly examining and scrutinizing nutritional labels, researching food production methods, and seeking validation regarding food quality.
3. Social withdrawal: Avoidance of social situations involving unhealthy foods, such as dining out with friends or attending gatherings, due to the fear of deviating from strict dietary rules.
4. Emotional distress: Experiencing feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame when unable to adhere to self-imposed dietary guidelines, leading to mood fluctuations and a reduced quality of life.
5. Physical implications: Manifestations such as nutritional deficiencies, fluctuations in weight, digestive problems, fatigue, and disturbances in menstrual cycles or reproductive health.
Effects of Orthorexia Nervosa
Physical effects
Dr. Vijayshree emphasized, “Restrictive eating can result in malnutrition and a dangerously slow heart rate due to essential nutrient deficiencies. Severe malnutrition can impact digestion, electrolyte and hormonal balance, metabolic acidosis, and the immune system.” These physical complications are potentially life-threatening and should not be underestimated.
Psychological effects
Individuals with orthorexia may experience significant frustration when their dietary routines are interrupted. “Straying from self-imposed dietary rules often evokes feelings of guilt, self-blame, or a drive to engage in risky cleanses or fasts in the pursuit of purification,” noted Dr. Vijayshree. The obsession with diet may impair their ability to participate in daily activities, leading to decreased productivity, diminished social interactions, and reduced enjoyment.
Social effects
“The prospect of relinquishing what they believe is control over their eating decisions induces anxiety or distress in individuals with orthorexia,” emphasized Dr. Vijayshree. They often adhere to strict self-imposed rules regarding food combinations and meal timing. Such inflexible eating habits can pose difficulties for them to engage in social activities centered around food, like attending gatherings or dining out.