By Joan Zhang

Clinically Reviewed by Sehrish Ali, PhD, LPC, CEDS

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Do you find yourself constantly worrying about how “healthy” your food is? Orthorexia, an eating disorder marked by an obsession with healthy eating, can take over your life in ways you might not expect. According to research conducted in the United States, this condition affects about 7% of the general population. It's not just about eating well; it often crosses the line in a way that can affect your physical health, mental well-being, and social life. Here are the five most common signs that you may have orthorexia.

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What is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia, also known as orthorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder where individuals become extremely focused on eating “healthily.” Unlike other eating disorders, orthorexia centers around the quality of food. 

People with orthorexia spend a lot of time focused on the purity of their food, often spending excessive time planning, purchasing, and preparing meals. This can lead to severe health issues, both physical and mental.

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Why is it Important to Recognize Orthorexia?

Recognizing orthorexia is essential because it can lead to several serious problems. Nutritional deficiencies are common, as people with orthorexia may eliminate many foods from their diet. This can cause physical health issues such as fatigue and weakened immune function. 

Mental health can also suffer, with increased anxiety and stress related to food choices. Also, social isolation can occur, as strict eating habits interfere with normal social interactions. 

Early recognition and intervention can help prevent these complications and promote a healthier relationship with food.

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Here are signs you may be suffering from orthorexia nervosa:

1. Excessive Focus on Food Quality and Purity: A key sign of orthorexia is an obsession with the quality and purity of food. This obsession goes beyond a simple interest in healthy eating and starts to dominate everyday life. Individuals with orthorexia often spend excessive amounts of time thinking about the quality of their food. They focus on the sourcing and preparation of their meals, ensuring everything meets their high standards. This preoccupation can interfere with daily activities and disrupt their social life. People with orthorexia impose strict dietary rules on themselves. They avoid foods they consider unhealthy or impure, even if it means cutting out entire food groups. These self-imposed restrictions can make it difficult to maintain a balanced diet and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

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2. Anxiety and Guilt Over Food Choices: Feeling anxious or guilty about food choices is another common sign of orthorexia. People with orthorexia often experience strong feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame after eating foods they consider unhealthy. These emotions can lead to increased food restrictions as they try to avoid these negative feelings or even extend to the food choices of others (i.e., offering suggestions, recipes, or “healthy” alternatives to friends and family). A heightened fear of contamination is also common. Individuals with orthorexia may go to great lengths to avoid foods or ingredients they believe are impure or contaminated. This fear can lead to extreme measures in food preparation and selection, further limiting their diet.

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3. Social Isolation Due to Dietary Habits: People with orthorexia may avoid social events that involve food. They fear not having control over what is served or how it is prepared. This avoidance can result in missing out on important social interactions and events. The rigid eating habits of someone with orthorexia can strain their relationships with family and friends. Others may find it difficult to accommodate their strict dietary rules, leading to frustration and loneliness. This social isolation can further worsen their mental health.

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4. Compulsive Checking of Ingredients and Nutritional Labels: People with orthorexia often spend a lot of time examining ingredient lists and nutritional labels on food products. They meticulously research each ingredient to ensure it meets their strict health standards. This behavior can become an obsession, taking up a significant portion of their time. Preparing meals can become an extensive and time-consuming process. Individuals with orthorexia go to great lengths to ensure their food is prepared in a way that aligns with their dietary rules. This can make everyday meal preparation a stressful and lengthy ordeal.

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5. Severe Dietary Restrictions Leading to Nutritional Deficiencies: Severe dietary restrictions are a hallmark of orthorexia. People with orthorexia often limit their diet to a very narrow range of foods they consider healthy. This can lead to an imbalanced diet, as they exclude many foods that provide essential nutrients. Over time, these dietary restrictions can cause significant physical health issues. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and a compromised immune system. These health problems highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing orthorexia early.

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How to Seek Help if You Recognize These Signs

If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, it's important to seek help. Professional support can make a significant difference in managing orthorexia. Reaching out to healthcare professionals who specialize in eating disorders is crucial. Therapists, dietitians, and doctors can provide the necessary guidance and support. They can help you understand your condition and develop strategies to manage it effectively.

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Treatment options for orthorexia include the following:

• Therapy to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues. 
• Nutritional counseling can help create a balanced diet that meets health needs without being overly restrictive. 
• Support groups to offer a sense of community and shared experiences. 

Our Approach to Orthorexia Recovery

At Arise, we understand the complexities of orthorexia and offer comprehensive care to support recovery. We provide holistic care plans tailored to each individual. Our approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of orthorexia, ensuring that all areas of concern are covered. Our team collaborates to create personalized treatment plans. We involve therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure each plan meets the unique needs of the individual. We offer compassionate support to help clients rebuild their relationship with food. Our goal is to guide individuals toward long-term well-being, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their recovery process.

Recognizing the signs of orthorexia is the first step toward seeking help and achieving a healthier relationship with food. If you're experiencing any of these signs, help is here! Early intervention can prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being. At Arise, we are here to help you on your path to recovery. Book a free consultation with us to get the support you need.