New Eating Disorder Takes Healthy Food Too Far

We all want to eat healthier, right? Whether we’re cutting out animal products or choosing organics, the idea is that these food choices are better for our bodies and for the planet. Eating mindfully is one thing, but what about when those choices start to hinder our daily lives and impact our relationships?

There’s an eating disorder on the rise characterized by a focus on “pure” food. Orthorexia nervosa sufferers have such strict rules about what they will and won’t eat that they can become malnourished and experience severe stress about their food choices. These rules can also strain relationships with friends and family.

Dr. Steven Bratman first named the condition back in the late 90′s, but diagnosis has been on the rise in recent years. Doctors used to include folks with this condition under the generic category for unspecified eating disorders, but due to the number of cases cropping up it’s starting to be diagnosed more and more.

My concern with this spike in diagnoses is that it could put a negative connotation on any type of alternative diet. While orthorexia may be on the rise, not everyone who follows an alternative diet necessarily has this condition. This is a serious illness, and it’s when a fixation with pure foods starts to negatively impact your health and your life that there’s an issue.

If you want to learn more, you can check out Dr. Bratman’s site on orthorexia nervosa. There, you can read his original essay on the disorder and find more resources to learn about orthorexia.

So, what do you think? Is this condition something that you’re concerned about?

[h/t: The Guardian Observer]

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by malias

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Angela M.

10:53AM PDT on May 9, 2011

This disorder is saying to us that a person will sit and starve if there is not the foods they eat around them. That is the difference. That is the disorder. If all there is is white bread and a huge GM tomato and that haven't eaten for a week they still won't eat that food because it's not healthy. This disorder is saying people with it would rather starve to death than eat unhealthy. Get it straight.

send a green star

Ivy J.

8:47PM PDT on Apr 30, 2011

I have always been a "picky eater" but this new information has led me to believe I have a serious eating disorder. Perhaps it is just due to enhanced taste buds or whatever but as much as I try I just can't eat food most people eat. Yes, it has taken a serious toll on my social life. People have stopped inviting me to dinners, etc because I eat a mouthful of food, it tastes like crap and I can't eat anymore. I can scarf a plateful of pasta/marinara at home, in private but I can't eat in public. Yes, I am OCD. Am I crazy?????

Charles W.

7:43AM PDT on Apr 3, 2011

Herman Cain for US president!

Mara C.

5:52PM PST on Feb 27, 2011

This sounds like an eating disorder for those who don't know where to buy "Safe" food. It's difficult to find healthy non-GM foods, but there are enough choicers out there that can be depended on. Buy organic from local farmers. If you eat meat, buy local, organic grass fed and certified humane raised & handled meats.

Theresa D.

12:38PM PST on Feb 27, 2011

To eat a healty diet means we need to be educated on nutrition. I fear alot of people eat on principle alone and do not become educated for health.

Esther L.

9:02AM PST on Feb 27, 2011

First time hearing of Orthorexia! I have found the best principle is to eat everything in moderation, stop eating before you reach the "stuffed" feeling......no binges!

Caro M.

3:06AM PST on Feb 26, 2011

Orthorexia is very real, but it is important to note it's not the same as just having a specific nutrional programme. Just like how being on a diet is a fary cry from actual anorexia. A habit is not the same as a full-blown illness.

paula b.

9:40AM PST on Feb 24, 2011

sounds more like obsessive compulsive disorder to me

Gordana R.

8:01AM PST on Feb 24, 2011

many disorders in sick human world...

Alicia T.

9:25PM PST on Feb 23, 2011

People who are obsessive about anything can rarely recognize on their own that their obsession is a problem and interferes with healthy functioning in a variety of aspects of their lives. Orthorexia is just one example.