Here's an eating disorder that might not look so bad at first glance. Unfortunately, just like over-eating, anorexia or bulimia, this eating disorder can take a spin for the worse when it becomes excessive. Orthorexia is an obsession with being healthy, from fueling your body with only organic foods to meticulously counting calories and getting adequate exercise.
Calorie Lab interviewed Dr. Bratman who says it can become dangerous "when food becomes a source not just of nutrition, but of virtue or self-worth, when eating 'bad' food implies that one is a bad person, and when the diet becomes a source of either self-esteem or, conversely, guilt and self-loathing."
Dr. Bratman says you may have orthorexia if you...
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rise of Orthorexia
- The trend of orthorexia, an obsession with healthy eating, is on the rise.
- Negative Impact on Mental and Physical Health
- Excessive orthorexia can have negative impacts on both mental and physical health.
- Need for Balanced Approach to Healthy Eating
- The need for promoting a balanced approach to healthy eating is gaining significance in response to the rise of orthorexia.
Where This Applies
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- The nutrition and dietetics industry can provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with orthorexia.
- Mental Health and Wellness
- The mental health and wellness industry can offer counseling and therapy for individuals dealing with orthorexia.
- Food and Restaurant
- The food and restaurant industry can focus on offering more diverse and inclusive menu options to cater to individuals with orthorexia.
