Orthorexia: Recognizing and Responding to a Rising Hidden Disorder
#orthorexia #eating_disorders #nutrition #therapy #mindfulness
Orthorexia: a rising hidden disorder
Therapists report an increase in orthorexia, an obsession with eating “pure” or excessively healthy foods that can lead to severe restriction, social withdrawal, and malnutrition rather than improved wellbeing[3][5].
How to recognize and respond
Signs include rigid rules about ingredients, guilt after eating perceived “unhealthy” items, compulsive label checking, and avoidance of meals prepared by others; these behaviors often co-occur with anxiety or OCD traits and can escalate over time[2][6]. Treatment emphasizes psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure to feared foods, nutritional rehabilitation, and mindfulness or acceptance approaches to reduce rigidity and restore balanced eating[1][3].
Practical next steps
If orthorexic patterns interfere with daily life or health, seek evaluation from a clinician experienced in eating disorders; multidisciplinary care—medical monitoring, nutrition counseling, and psychotherapy—offers the best chance to rebuild flexible, nourishing eating habits and improve quality of life[1][4].
