# Orthorexia: An Obsession With Healthy Eating By Bianca | Published 2007-09-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orthorexia References: [calorielab](http://calorielab.com/news/2007/09/06/are-you-orthrexic-is-anyone/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olivers-real-foods) to meticulously [counting calories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cal-mind) 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... ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Photo-Based Nutrition Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caloria.md) - [Healthy Eating-Focused Advocacy Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-different.md) - [Food-Checking Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/know-your-food.md) - [Food-Focused Corporate Wellness Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corporate-wellness-program.md) - [Unhealthy Eating Habit-Changing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewy-app.md) - [Health-Conscious Meal Delivery Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-clean-bro.md) - [Health-Focused Meal Planning Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-food-real-results.md) - [Health-Conscious Breakfast Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-side-up.md) - [Smart Food Diaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-food-diary.md)