David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Orthorexia - When eating healthy goes awry
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., Mayo Clinic
July 11, 2009
Everyone can benefit by paying more attention to choosing healthy foods, right?
For the most part, yes. However, a small number of people become obsessed with the "perfect diet." Orthorexia nervosa - which means fixation on righteous eating - is a term that has been coined to describe this behavior. If you have orthorexia, you fixate on eating foods that make you feel pure and healthy. You may avoid many foods, including those made with:
According to Dr. Steven Bratman ? the physician who first described and named this disorder ? individuals with orthorexia find that their food obsessions begin to hinder everyday activities. Their strict rules and beliefs about food may lead them to become socially isolated. These individuals may also become intolerant of other people's views about food and health.
Although orthorexia is not an officially recognized eating disorder, most experts agree that this kind of obsession isn't healthy. If striving for a healthy diet becomes an overwhelming drive that takes over your life, seek help. Orthorexia can be treated with counseling and medication.
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., Mayo Clinic
July 11, 2009
Everyone can benefit by paying more attention to choosing healthy foods, right?
For the most part, yes. However, a small number of people become obsessed with the "perfect diet." Orthorexia nervosa - which means fixation on righteous eating - is a term that has been coined to describe this behavior. If you have orthorexia, you fixate on eating foods that make you feel pure and healthy. You may avoid many foods, including those made with:
- Artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Pesticides or genetic modification
- Unhealthy fat, sugar or salt
According to Dr. Steven Bratman ? the physician who first described and named this disorder ? individuals with orthorexia find that their food obsessions begin to hinder everyday activities. Their strict rules and beliefs about food may lead them to become socially isolated. These individuals may also become intolerant of other people's views about food and health.
Although orthorexia is not an officially recognized eating disorder, most experts agree that this kind of obsession isn't healthy. If striving for a healthy diet becomes an overwhelming drive that takes over your life, seek help. Orthorexia can be treated with counseling and medication.
