If you or a loved one is struggling with orthorexia, we’re here to help. This page will provide helpful information, treatment options and guidance on what steps you can take.
What Is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is characterized by an obsession with consuming only “healthy” foods and affects individuals of all ages, races and genders. Orthorexia is not yet included as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standardized tool published by the American Psychiatric Association; however, the various consequences of orthorexia are often just as serious as any other eating disorder. Individuals with orthorexia may create extremely rigid rules about food in hopes of maintaining or achieving various health benefits.
Although weight loss is a common side effect of orthorexia, those with this disorder are not intentionally trying to change the size of their bodies. Orthorexia is better understood as an obsessive pursuit of wellness rather than thinness. Paradoxically, this fixation on health and healthy eating often results in serious and undesirable medical, psychological and social complications.
Emotional Characteristics of Orthorexia
Orthorexia is not a medically identified term, but one worth noting as it has become more and more present in our culture where dieting and weight are conflated with health and wellness. Individuals with orthorexia tend to become obsessed with “eating clean” and defining what that means for them, as well as following a strict exercise regime. Those with orthorexia experience similar levels of rigidity as those with other eating disorders. They find that the rules they have made around their food and exercise limits them from engaging in activities and relationships which they would have otherwise enjoyed.
Orthorexia Warning Signs
Orthorexia can have serious medical consequences including malnutrition, chemical imbalance, and an overall loss of energy and vitality. Key signs you or someone you know may be struggling with Orthorexia include:
- Restrict foods or entire food groups that are deemed “unhealthy” or “bad”
- Preoccupied with “gut health,” food allergies and/or tolerances
- Low heart rate, depression, anxiety, weight loss, and/or thinning hair
- Obsess about only eating “clean,” organic, “whole,” “pure,” and/or unprocessed foods
- Avoid restaurants and/or social events
- Spend inordinate amounts of time buying, preparing and cooking foods
- Have medical and psychiatric issues secondary to malnourishment
- Criticism or judgment of oneself or others based on food choices and health standards
- Feelings of guilt, anxiety or distress if unable to adhere to one’s dietary rules
Is It Really an Eating Disorder?
We live in a culture with rigid ideals about food, weight and size, so it can be difficult to recognize when your thoughts and behaviors have become dangerous. Take a quiz and find out.
The Orthorexia Quiz
The Food Quiz
The Emotion Quiz
Orthorexia Treatment & Levels of Care
Treatment for orthorexia typically involves a multidisciplinary approach including therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. Therapy helps address distorted beliefs and develop healthier eating habits; nutritional counseling focuses on creating a balanced, varied diet and addressing deficiencies; and regular medical assessments ensure physical health is maintained. Support groups and family therapy provide emotional support and improve understanding. Our treatment philosophy starts with finding the approach that best matches your or your loved ones’ needs.
Residential Treatment
Continuous in-person treatment. Often the most structured and intensive level of care.
Day Treatment
Comprehensive and consistent outpatient care with daily, in-person meetings.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Intensive structure and treatment plans with consistent meetings several days per week.
Outpatient Services
Weekly structure and steady support, but provided at a slower pace than IOP.
Virtual Treatment
The same structured, intensive care of in-person, delivered virtually.
How to Help Someone with Orthorexia
Early intervention is essential for managing orthorexia. If you or someone you know is affected, prompt medical consultation can help reduce the risk of serious complications. Encourage them to speak with a trusted person, such as a doctor, counselor, or supportive friend, about their behaviors and experience. Although starting treatment can be challenging, your support and encouragement in seeking professional help can make a significant difference. For further help and guidance, explore our library of dedicated resources, podcast episodes, and blogs on eating disorder topics.
Reach out to a Renfrew Program Information Specialist to schedule a FREE assessment or to learn more about our services.
Orthorexia FAQ
What is orthorexia?
Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating, which often includes an excessive fixation on food quality and food preparation. Individuals with orthorexia avoid foods they consider impure or harmful, leading to restrictive and compulsive eating habits, medical complications and emotional distress. Orthorexia is not yet recognized as a formal psychiatric diagnosis, however many of its symptoms may overlap with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
How common is orthorexia?
Orthorexia is increasingly recognized but not yet widely studied, making exact prevalence difficult to determine. It is known to affect a significant number of people, especially those with a preoccupation with health and wellness.
Are there specific types of orthorexia?
Orthorexia does not have specific subtypes, but the severity and focus of the dietary restrictions can vary. Some individuals may strictly avoid processed foods, while others may have more complex rules regarding nutrition, food purity and preparation.
What causes orthorexia?
Orthorexia is caused by a combination of factors, including psychological aspects (such as anxiety and perfectionism), cultural and societal pressures around health and wellness, and personal experiences related to food and diet.
What are the most common signs for orthorexia?
Common signs include a pathological obsession with eating only “clean” or “pure” foods, an excessive focus on the way food is processed and prepared, avoidance of foods perceived as unhealthy, rigid dietary rules, social isolation due to food concerns, and significant emotional distress related to food choices.
How do I know if I need treatment for orthorexia?
If your preoccupation with healthy eating leads to significant nutritional imbalances, social withdrawal, or emotional distress, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment can help address the underlying psychological issues and improve overall well-being.
What should I do if I’m curious about treatment?
Research your options. Review websites and social media accounts of treatment centers to get a feel for the treatment approach to make sure it is a good fit. Discuss with your support system including your outpatient providers if you have them. Submit inquiries to treatment centers you would like to connect with and schedule an assessment. Our Program Information Specialists offer confidential phone calls to provide education about our services, answer your questions and address your concerns: Call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739).
What forms of treatment are most effective for orthorexia?
Orthorexia is a complex syndrome that rarely travels alone. An effective treatment approach will ideally include a multidisciplinary team that works together to target multiple factors, including the eating disorder symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, medical complications, and any co-occurring mental health diagnoses. A comprehensive eating disorder assessment is recommended to identify your needs and choose the appropriate level of care.
What is Renfrew’s Treatment Approach for orthorexia?
The Renfrew Center provides treatment for orthorexia through a multidisciplinary team of therapists, dietitians, medical providers, and psychiatrists. The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders is the transdiagnostic, evidenced based treatment approach used to treat orthorexia by harnessing the healing power of relational connection and targeting the core mechanisms that maintain disordered eating patterns and cooccurring emotional disorders.
What is the role of a treatment team in orthorexia recovery?
The treatment team supports and collaborates with each client, assesses the severity of the symptoms, and monitors progress in the recovery process. They make recommendations and provide individualized treatment interventions to meet their client’s psychological, medical, and nutritional needs. Support systems and outpatient providers might also be part of the treatment team to promote sustainable change outside of the treatment setting.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with orthorexia?
Early intervention and the appropriate level of care can make a significant difference in the long-term recovery of those with orthorexia. Due to the complex nature of the disorder, it will not likely resolve on its own or with time. Seeking out the appropriate level of care as soon as possible is recommended for best outcomes.
What can I do to support someone struggling?
We recommend that loved ones educate themselves on orthorexia and seek guidance from professionals when possible. It is important to note that orthorexia is not a ‘fad’ or ‘phase’, and it should not be ignored or dismissed. Family and friends should approach their loved one with compassion and concern and take steps to involve professionals, including a physician as soon as possible.
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