Orthorexia Nervosa: Understanding the Obsession with Healthy Eating

What Is Orthorexia Nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy, pure, or clean foods. Unlike other eating disorders that center on the amount of food, orthorexia is driven by the perceived quality of what a person eats. Over time, this fixation can harm both physical health and mental well-being.

Key Characteristics

People struggling with orthorexia often:

Spend excessive time planning or researching meals.
Avoid foods perceived as unhealthy or impure.
Feel strong guilt or anxiety after eating something they consider “bad.”
Judge themselves or others based on food choices.

While having a balanced diet is healthy, orthorexia turns this intention into a source of stress and social withdrawal.

Possible Health Consequences

The disorder may lead to:

Nutritional deficiencies from eliminating entire food groups.
Weight loss, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Anxiety and obsessive behaviors related to eating.
Isolation from friends and family due to strict food rules.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Orthorexia nervosa is not yet an official diagnosis in most medical classifications, but mental health professionals recognize its symptoms. Treatment often includes:

Psychological therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Nutritional counseling to restore a balanced diet.
Support groups to rebuild healthy social relationships.

Expert Insight

“Orthorexia isn’t simply about wanting to eat well. It’s when the pursuit of healthy eating becomes so extreme that it damages your health and happiness.”

Summary

Orthorexia nervosa reflects a harmful obsession with healthy food, demanding awareness and professional care to restore balance between nourishment and well-being.

Soy Carmín — 2025-11-30