Last Updated on 17 August 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
When it comes to healthy eating, we’re big advocates. Working with people every day who have goals around improving their diet means understanding that eating well can sometimes be challenging. Making sure our patients have a healthy outlook around diet change is a vital part of the guidance we give. For some people who are up to the task of diet change, the potential to make healthy eating a little too seriously could leave them vulnerable to developing characteristics of a disorder known as Orthorexia Nervosa (ON).
Best summarised as an obsession with healthy eating with associated restrictive behaviours, (1) the term Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) was only coined in 1997 (2) and it is still up for debate amongst medical experts as to whether it is a stand-alone diagnosis or a symptom of other disorders such as anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression. (3) While those with anorexia focus only on avoiding foods, those with orthorexia both avoid foods they think are bad and embrace foods they think are super-healthy. (1) Over-restriction of food groups is what makes Orthorexia Nervosa problematic, alongside the emotional consequences like anxiety if self-imposed nutritional rules aren’t perfectly followed.
Good intentions gone bad
Strict dieting or the pursuit of “extreme dietary purity” can lead to detrimental consequences on health. (4) Despite a focus on healthy eating, Orthorexia Nervosa may lead to malnourishment, loss of relationships, and poor quality of life. (1) Although the obsessions and compulsions are related to healthy eating, Orthorexia Nervosa is actually associated with relatively unhealthy eating and other lifestyle behaviours. (5)
Misplaced efforts at weight loss can be a potential trigger for experiencing Orthorexia Nervosa, which is more likely to occur in persons who focus on self-care without seeking expert advice. (2) While an undiagnosed endocrine condition like hypothyroidism or Type 2 Diabetes could be the real reason for difficulty losing weight, in ON it could be mistaken for diet ‘imperfections’, causing frustration and distress to the individual.
People more vulnerable to Orthorexia Nervosa may try fad diets with big claims or be misinformed about rapid weight loss techniques. They may also try non-scientifically tested commercial weight loss products. Seeking individualised professional advice can prevent ON from occurring. Experts recommend that decisions to change the diet should be made by both patient and practitioner together. Patients can then gain a better understanding of their dietary requirements and discuss ways to keep a balance and feel confident about their healthier choices without fixation on food.
Your Wellbeing comes First
Orthorexia Nervosa is best prevented before it occurs (2) but if it is something you feel you are experiencing, help is available. Talk to us at the clinic as a first step if you are seeking information with the good intention to eat well, or consider discussing any food restrictions with one of our qualified Nutritionists and Naturopaths.
Gaining a sense of wellbeing from eating a nutritious diet doesn’t need to come with an overwhelming need for perfectionism. You can be proud of your healthy eating habits and nurture your relationship with food.
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