Are you spending extensive time shopping and researching for pure and healthy foods? Do you have anxiety or guilt after consuming unhealthy foods? Have you started avoiding social gatherings to evade meals you consider unhealthy? If yes, this may be an indication of an eating disorder known as orthorexia nervosa. It can be described as an intense fixation on healthy eating accompanied by restrictive behaviours. We spoke to our expert Dr N Vijayshree, Dietician, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, who explained this disorder, its symptoms, and how it affects your well-being.
What Is Orthorexia?
“Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating, where a person obsesses only over eating what is good for their health”, said Dr Vijayshree. Eating nutritious food is good, but if someone has orthorexia, the person tends to desire only it to a degree that can damage the overall well-being.
In contrast to other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, orthorexia primarily centres on the quality of food rather than its quantity. “Individuals with orthorexia tend to prioritise the perceived healthiness of their diet over weight loss or achieving a thin physique. In addition to their obsession with purity and cleanliness, they are also obsessed with the benefits of healthy eating”, added Dr Vijayshree.
According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), individuals with orthorexia strive to steer clear of foods processed with chemicals, artificial sweeteners, or excessive levels of potentially harmful components like saturated fats, salt, or sugar, regardless of the expense. They excessively concentrate on methods and ingredients associated with the preparation of healthy foods.
Also Read: Mental Health Matters: What Are Eating Disorders, Explainer
Symptoms of Orthorexia
Dr Vijayshree listed the symptoms of orthorexia as follows:
- Obsession with purity: Preoccupation with consuming foods deemed pure, organic, natural, or whole, often leading to strict dietary rules and restrictions.
- Compulsive checking: Constantly reading and analysing nutritional labels, researching food production methods, and seeking reassurance about the quality of food.
- Social isolation: Avoidance of social situations involving unhealthy foods, such as dining out with friends or attending parties, due to fear of deviating from their strict dietary regimen.
- Emotional distress: Experiencing anxiety, guilt, or shame when unable to adhere to self-imposed dietary rules, leading to mood swings and a diminished quality of life.
- Physical consequences: Nutritional deficiencies, weight loss or gain, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and disruptions in menstruation or reproductive health.
Impact Of Orthorexia Nervosa
Physical effects
Dr Vijayshree said, “Restrictive eating can lead to malnutrition and abnormally slow heart rate due to a shortage of essential nutrients. Severe malnutrition can affect digestion, electrolyte and hormonal balance, metabolic acidosis, and the immune system.” These physical complications can be life-threatening and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Psychological effects
People with orthorexia may undergo profound frustration when their dietary routines are disrupted. “Deviating from self-imposed dietary guidelines often triggers emotions of guilt, self-reproach, or a compulsion to undertake risky cleanses or fasts in pursuit of purification”, added Dr Vijayshree. The fixation on diet might impair their capacity to engage in everyday activities, resulting in diminished productivity, reduced social engagement, and decreased enjoyment.
Social effects
“The idea of giving up what they perceive to be control over their eating choices causes anxiety or anguish in those who suffer from orthorexia. They frequently adhere to stringent self-imposed regulations regarding food combinations and timing of consumption”, highlighted Dr Vijayshree. Such rigid eating patterns can make it challenging for them to take part in social activities revolving around food, such as attending social gatherings or eating out.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any health issues to get the necessary diagnosis and treatment.]