Orthorexia
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is an eating disorder that is characterised by symptoms of obsessive behaviour towards food, often in pursuit of “health” or a “healthy” diet.
People living with orthorexia may be extremely selective and restrictive with their food and food types. They may categorise food as “good” or “bad” and attempt to eat only “pure” foods whilst following a seemingly “perfect” diet.
Common symptoms of orthorexia
There is no ‘one way’ to have orthorexia, but there are common behavioural patterns and emotional and cognitive characteristics that help in diagnosing the illness. It’s important to recognise that orthorexia can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed until significant distress is present.
Overall, a concern and awareness of the nutritional quality of food is taken to the extreme, to the detriment of their psychological and physiological selves and often leading to isolation as people endeavour to keep up with their rules and routines with food.
Without the right support, the isolation that derives from orthorexia can deepen, impacting mental health, relationships, physical wellbeing, and overall quality of life. It can also make reaching out for help feel increasingly difficult, reinforcing a harmful cycle.
Do these feel familiar?
A preoccupation and obsession with eating so-called “healthy” foods – possibly spending hours a day planning meals
Regimented eating and/or lack of intuitive eating. Feeling unable to eat foods that aren’t deemed “healthy” or “pure”
Guilt and shame associated with eating foods that don’t fall into these categories
Prioritising “healthy” eating over family time, social lives and/or their career. Possibly not attending social events or meals that don’t have healthy food options
Basing self-worth around their diet and the pursuit of health
Body image concerns may/may not be present
An unusual interest in what others are eating and an obsessive following of food blogs or social media profiles
You are not alone. There are people who understand and who can help.
Despite how it may seem, orthorexia is much more than simply a concern for or awareness of the quality and content of food.
Rather, often at the root is emotional distress that is being coped with through food and a pursuit of health.
At Orri, our specialist team is equipped to support individuals in understanding and addressing these emotional drivers to aid sustainable recovery.
Your journey with Orri.
Recover in person, online, or with a blend of both.
Online.
No matter your location, our online treatment is face-to-face recovery community at the click of a button.
In Person.
A safe space in central London for you to recover from your eating disorder. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Blend.
Our Blend Programme is a unique programme for eating disorder recovery, combining both our in person and online treatment programmes.
FAQs
Orthorexia is characterised by an obsession with healthy eating. Orri provides tailored therapy and nutritional support.
Treatment may include individual therapy, group work, and nutritional guidance.
Yes, our dietitians provide nutritional support as part of treatment.
Yes, family and carer support is available with Orri’s orthorexia treatment and recovery programmes.