Orthorexia blurs the lines between healthy and harmful

Are you consumed by a fixation on "clean" eating? Orthorexia can be complex and misunderstood. At Monte Nido, we understand the challenges you face, and we offer specialized treatment to help you find balance and peace in your relationship with food.

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What is orthorexia?

Orthorexia, while not an official psychiatric diagnosis, is a term that describes a flavor of anorexia nervosa, where the individual is focused on the quality of their foods being “pure” and “healthy”. The rigid food ideals of orthorexia can often lead to weight loss, emotional distress, and malnutrition.

Characteristics of orthorexia:

Obsession with consuming "healthy" or "pure" foods
Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
Excessive time spent planning meals and food preparation
Distress or anxiety when unable to maintain strict dietary rules

Signs & symptoms of orthorexia

While this pattern of disordered eating doesn’t yet have an official eating disorder diagnosis, orthorexia can involve symptoms such as:

Excessive preoccupation with food quality
Rigid, self-imposed dietary rules
Refusal to consume certain food groups or ingredients
Escalating anxiety around food choices and preparation
Difficulty enjoying meals outside the home or prepared by others
Fixation on food preparation and ingredient selection
Anxiety, guilt, or shame when straying from “healthy” foods
Self-inflicted punishment commonly associated with other eating disorders like restriction, purging, or excessive exercise can occur

Risk factors for orthorexia

Orthorexia's causes are complex and may involve factors like genetics, mental health conditions, societal pressures, and personal experiences. While there is no way to predict exactly who orthorexia will impact, there are some risk factors that can cause an individual to be more prone to suffer from orthorexia, such as:

Perfectionism

Having a history of eating disorders or mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, or depression increase the likelihood of orthorexic tendencies. These conditions can lead to rigid thought patterns and behaviors surrounding food.

Negative life events or stress

Significant life changes, stressful events, or traumatic experiences may trigger the development of orthorexic behaviors as individuals seek control and order in their lives through strict dietary rules.

Extreme interest in wellness

An interest in health and wellness can be a positive pursuit, but when taken to an extreme, it can lead to dangerous behaviors. An individual's desire to optimize their health can evolve into an obsession with clean eating and an avoidance of certain foods.

What does treatment for orthorexia look like?

treatment

Monte Nido can help

Our experienced team provides a supportive environment for addressing orthorexia's physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. We'll help you understand your condition, develop coping strategies, and nourish a balanced relationship with food.

Treatment involves a mix of individual and group therapy, nutrition counseling, meal coaching, and more. Our goal with orthorexia treatment is to help individuals address any underlying conditions or malnutrition, restore balanced eating habits, and improve their quality of life.

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Frequently asked orthorexia questions

What are the consequences of orthorexia if untreated?

Like other restrictive eating disorders, orthorexia can lead to malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, menstrual irregularities, cardiovascular issues, and impaired social functioning. The rigid rules and obsession take an immense mental toll as well.

Why is orthorexia not officially recognized as an eating disorder?

While not currently recognized as an official eating disorder diagnosis in the DSM-5, many experts view it as a potential type of anorexia, OCD, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Research on diagnostic criteria and prevalence rates is still emerging.

How do I know if I need treatment for orthorexia or another disorder?

Orthorexia shares similarities with other eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Disorders can also occur simultaneously or oscillate between disorders. Proper assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Please contact our admissions team here by calling 888.228.1253 to set up an evaluation and start your recovery.

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