Orthorexia: Nutrition Gone Too Far

Posted March 30, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Health, Body Image, Eating Disorders, Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating

Trying to eat healthy – whole grains, fresh veggies, flax oil – is one important element of an energetic, athletic, robust lifestyle. Filling your body with natural, whole foods is the best way, without a doubt, to fuel yourself and prevent illness. Much as nutrition ought to be a top priority for women, regardless of their athletic goals or lifestyle choices, new light has been shed on a dangerous obsession that medical experts are calling a major problem for many: orthorexia.

Although research on the condition is still preliminary, orthorexia has been classified as an eating disorder much like anorexia and bulimia nervosa, with its own set of characteristics, warning signs, and health risks. Put plainly, orthorexia is the obsessive focus on nutritious eating. For example, a woman might eat nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables, refusing to chow down on other important parts of a healthy diet, like fatty foods or proteins. The reasoning? Most who suffer with orthorexia have an irrational fear of weight gain or changes in body composition – the idea that fat in your food becomes fat on your body.

Not only is this mindset misguided, it’s downright dangerous. Eliminating certain foods does more than make social outings awkward, but creates serious health risks. The dangers of orthorexia can best be identified on a case-by-case basis, because it depends on the extent of the limitations and the activity level of the individual. For example, a woman who cuts out carbs is in a different position from one who eliminates anything other than non-fat foods. Carbs are important, but the body can do without them. Fat, on the other hand, is an essential part of the human body and functioning, and a woman who tries to subsist without them will likely stop menstruating, lose vital protection for her organs, and suffer from muscle decomposition as the body struggles to keep working.

Aside from the physical consequences, orthorexia poses social risks that can have a big impact on one’s emotional wellbeing. Orthorexics will eschew most foods they don’t prepare themselves, and often refuse to eat in restaurants or at the homes of friends and family. Many refuse to eat in front of other people at all, regardless of the food being served. As a result, an individual may prefer to isolate themselves, if social interactions are going to involve food. The consequences? Tenuous friendships and family relationships, and a sense of isolation – both of which only further the obsession with eating and nutrition.

What to look for in cases of orthorexia? A few warning signs:

-A refusal to eat foods prepared by family, friends, or restaurants.

-The decision to “cut out” certain food groups entirely – fats, carbohydrates, white flour, and so on. Keep in mind that vegetarianism and veganism aren’t eating disorders, but a woman who transitions to this lifestyle in a bid to lose weight may be dealing with orthorexic tendencies.

-Refusing to enjoy “unhealthy” foods (like cake or candy) on special occasions, like birthdays or holidays.

-Like other eating disorders, poor body image, confidence, and depression are often associated with orthorexia

If you notice a loved one exhibiting obsessive tendencies with their food and nutrition, speak up and push them to seek professional help. If caught early, it can be relatively easy to coax a struggling woman back into a mindset where food is to be enjoyed, rather than obsessed over.

And what if you think you exhibit obsessive food tendencies? It can be easy to let a focus on nutrition go too far, especially if you already prioritize health and fitness. But remember that food is both fuel and fun – indulge in a favorite recipe you’ve targeted as “forbidden”, enjoy a dessert date with your partner or have a nice glass of wine with dinner tonight. Savor your meals, sweat it up during your workouts, and seek balance in nutrition and fitness, as you do in every other aspect of your life.