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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Most of us are familiar with eating disorders such an anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating all of which have established diagnostic and treatment criteria. But, 20 years ago, Steven Bratman, MD, MPH coined the term orthorexia nervosa, which he defined as the fixation on righteous eating.
Though currently not recognized as a clinical eating disorder, many people struggle with this unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Often orthorexia begins as a real desire to eat a more healthy diet but some people become overly health-obsessed. Their quest for healthy eating becomes unhealthy.
People who exhibit orthorexia do share some traits of those suffering with true eating disorders and with those who deal with obsessive-compulsive disorders. The absolute preoccupation with healthy foods, as seen in those with orthorexia, results in both physical and mental issues that are directly tied to this healthy food obsession.
Those with orthorexia have a self-punishing relationship with foods that results in a progressively shrinking collection of food the person deems acceptable to eat. Healthy eating becomes the central issue throughout the day. As orthorexics become more fixated on food they set up rigid definitions of food quality and purity. They may begin with a desire to eat clean food or food without additives or artificial colors. But, this eventually turns into an obsession of what to eat, how to eat, and how to deal with slip-ups. The person may self-punish with stricter eating, fasts or excessive exercise to atone for eating errors. Their self-esteem becomes wrapped up in food, and their virtuous desire to eat well makes them feel superior to others who they perceive as eating less healthy.
Why does this obsession with healthy eating happen to some? Yet others, who attempt to eat better, simply do that, make better choices without tipping into an all-consuming food universe. At this point we don’t know where the tipping point is and if those who exhibit orthorexia might eventually progress to a full-blown eating disorder.
Researchers are currently trying to sort this all out. One interesting recent finding, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is that registered dietitians in the US exhibit characteristics of orthorexia in higher numbers than the general population.
As a dietitian this got me thinking. Are those in my profession more obsessed with healthy eating to the point of exhibiting negative behavior regarding food? I do think about food all day, every day. I mentally calculate how many calories I’ve eaten at breakfast and lunch and base these choices against my decision of what to eat for dinner. I consider this healthy, mindful eating. But, for some this could become obsessive control through food.
My daughters always tell me I mentally survey the dinner plates of others and wrinkle my nose at bad choices. Though I always keep my opinions to myself, for those that know me well my dissatisfaction does register on my face. Could a mom with orthorexia convey disapproving messages to her children and/or restrict their food choices obsessively in a distorted quest for health?
When does our desire to eat well turn into an all-consuming obsession with what and how to eat? Our society encourages healthy eating and thinness, so problematic behavior is often disguised by an exaggerated desire to eat well. Orthorexia is not a condition your doctor will pick up on. In fact, this behavior seen in the isolation of one visit might be encouraged and praised because unless seen as a continuum of odd food behavior it can appear normal.
According to those who are trying to understand orthorexia, there are a number of red flags to consider.
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Is there little room left in your life for anything other than thinking about food and planning what to eat?
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Does food require an inordinate amount of time and attention in your life?
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Does eating foods other than those you find acceptable fill you with guilt, self-hatred or feelings of failure?
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Do you use food to help you avoid life issues?
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Do you feel in control when you stick with those foods you believe are appropriate?
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Have you put yourself on a food pedestal and wonder how others can possible eat the foods they eat?
Eating a healthy diet does not make you an orthorexic and there is nothing wrong with eating well. Problems start when you feel seduced by healthy eating and the focal point of your life becomes food.
© NRH Nutrition Consultants, Inc.
Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian and the author of 30 books. Available as eBooks from iTunes and Kindle/Amazon:
Diabetes Counter – the most up-to-date information on managing diabetes
Calorie Counter – a weight loss guide that won’t let you down
Protein Counter – put the latest protein recommendations to work for you
Healthy Wholefoods Counter – planet-friendly eating made easy
Complete Food Counter – food counts and nutrition information at your fingertips
Fat and Cholesterol Counter – newest approach to heart-healthy eating
Available in print from Gallery Books:
Most Complete Food Counter, 3rd Ed.
Your Complete Food Counter App: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/your-complete-food-counter/id444558777?mt=8
For more information on Jo-Ann and her books, go to: www.TheNutritionExperts.com.
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