Essentially, orthorexia is a painful fixation on the quality of food. The person begins to divide foods into “clean” and “unhealthy”, gradually eliminating more and more categories from the diet, according to Forbes. Unlike the usual desire for a healthy lifestyle, this behavior is accompanied by anxiety, guilt and tight self-control. If the “right” food is not available, a person feels stressed and may refuse to eat at all.
Despite the absence of orthorexia in international classifications of diseases, experts note its similarity to eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The reasons for its development can be different: from a personal tendency to control to the influence of social networks, where the ideals of “clean” eating are actively promoted. Particularly vulnerable are people whose work involves discipline and appearance, such as athletes or entrepreneurs.
The danger of orthorexia lies not only in psychological stress, but also in physical harm. Severe restrictions lead to nutrient deficiencies, lower immunity, chronic fatigue and even hormonal malfunctions. In addition, social life suffers: a person begins to avoid meetings, restaurants, and any situation where he or she cannot control the composition of food.
The main criterion that distinguishes healthy eating from orthorexia is the degree of freedom. If a person can adapt flexibly, does not experience anxiety and is not fixated on food, we are talking about self-care. However, if food begins to control life, it is an alarming signal.
Correction of such a condition requires a comprehensive approach. Psychologists recommend working with anxiety, revise rigid beliefs about food and gradually expand the diet. It is also useful to temporarily limit the consumption of healthy content and allow yourself “uncontrolled” meals. It is important to remember: health is not only about diet, but also about psychological well-being.
