Unhealthy Obsession with Healthy Eating: Identification, Signs, and Remedies
Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Anorexia Nervosa are three distinct conditions that share some similarities but have unique characteristics.
**Orthorexia Nervosa (ON)**
Orthorexia Nervosa is a condition not officially recognized as an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), but it is often discussed in the context of eating behaviors. It is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with eating healthy or "pure" foods, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
**Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)**
ARFID, on the other hand, is recognized as an eating disorder in the DSM-5. It involves a lack of interest in eating or a fear of eating due to concerns about the taste, texture, or nutritional content of food. This avoidance is not driven by body image issues but often by sensory or feeding issues.
**The Relationship Between ON and ARFID**
The primary distinction between ON and ARFID lies in their motivations. ON is driven by a desire for health and nutritional purity, while ARFID is characterized by a lack of interest in food or avoidance due to sensory concerns rather than health beliefs. However, both conditions involve restrictive eating patterns.
**Orthorexia vs. Anorexia Nervosa**
Anorexia Nervosa is primarily driven by a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, whereas Orthorexia Nervosa focuses on the health quality of food. While both can involve restrictive eating patterns leading to nutritional deficiencies and health issues, the focus and motivation behind these behaviors differ significantly.
**Diagnosis and Treatment**
A doctor, therapist, or dietitian can diagnose Orthorexia Nervosa by interviewing a person and reviewing their symptoms and eating habits. Treatment for Orthorexia Nervosa involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), nutritional counseling, addressing underlying mental health conditions, and medication if necessary. Hospitalization may be necessary if a person is significantly underweight or malnourished.
**Prevalence and Causes**
The prevalence of Orthorexia is not well-established, with studies suggesting it may affect a significant number of college students and healthcare professionals. The exact cause of Orthorexia is not known, but the widespread focus on healthful eating trends on social media may contribute to its development in some individuals.
**Impact and Coping Strategies**
Orthorexia can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and problems with relationships, work, and school due to obsessive thoughts about food. Coping and support for Orthorexia include talking with a medical or mental health professional, confiding in a trusted friend or family member, practicing self-acceptance and stress management techniques, avoiding fad diet trends, and seeking help from online support networks like the National Eating Disorders Association and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.
It is important to note that while some people avoid certain food groups for reasons like ethics, religion, or health issues, Orthorexia has a mental health impact due to intrusive thoughts about eating habits. Orthorexia is not recognized as an official psychiatric diagnosis, but some consider it to fall under the ARFID classification.
With proper treatment and support, a person with Orthorexia can foster a state of emotional and physical well-being.
- Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) might be discussed alongside food and food benefits in the context of eating behaviors, as it involves an excessive preoccupation with eating healthy or "pure" foods, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, understanding therapies-and-treatments for eating disorders like ON is crucial, with treatment often involving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), nutritional counseling, addressing underlying mental health conditions, and medication if necessary.
- The science of nutrition plays a vital role in understanding eating disorders, such as ON, as the restrictive eating patterns that characterize these conditions can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
- Fitness-and-exercise, along with proper nutrition, contribute to overall health and wellness, and can be part of a holistic approach to treating eating disorders like ON, as they help manage stress and promote a healthier attitude towards food and body image.
