Orthorexia, an eating disorder that is not formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is gaining attention from clinicians as they observe a rise in patients exhibiting signs of the condition. Defined as a fixation on eating ‘clean’ based on rigid rules, orthorexia often goes unnoticed due to its focus on healthy eating. However, this disorder can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences.
Jason Wood, director of community engagement at the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), shared his personal experience with orthorexia, revealing the detrimental impact it had on his life. Wood’s struggle with the disorder, characterized by strict eating principles, resulted in isolation, weight loss, and physical discomfort.
Therapist Jennifer Rollin, founder of The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland, emphasized that orthorexia is not simply a preference for nutritious foods but can escalate into an unhealthy obsession. The disorder, often rooted in genetic predisposition and environmental factors, manifests as an extreme fixation on ‘healthy’ eating, leading individuals to restrict their diet to an increasingly narrow range of foods.
Despite the potential dangers associated with orthorexia, the lack of formal recognition in the DSM has hindered widespread understanding and acknowledgment of the disorder. Wood’s friends and family, for instance, inadvertently supported his rigid eating habits, unaware of the severity of his condition.
Recognizing the disguised dangers of diet culture, experts warn that what may initially appear as a commitment to healthy eating can evolve into a harmful obsession. The fixation on ‘clean’ eating, when taken to an extreme, can have profound physical and psychological repercussions.
As clinicians advocate for greater awareness and inclusion of orthorexia in diagnostic guidelines, it is crucial for individuals and communities to understand the complexities of this eating disorder and provide support for those affected.
