Orthorexia blurs the lines between healthy and harmful
Are you consumed by a fixation on "clean" eating? Orthorexia can be complex and misunderstood. At Monte Nido, we understand the challenges you face, and we offer specialized treatment to help you find balance and peace in your relationship with food.
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What is orthorexia?
Orthorexia, while not an official psychiatric diagnosis, is a term that describes a flavor of anorexia nervosa, where the individual is focused on the quality of their foods being “pure” and “healthy”. The rigid food ideals of orthorexia can often lead to weight loss, emotional distress, and malnutrition.
Signs & symptoms of orthorexia
While this pattern of disordered eating doesn’t yet have an official eating disorder diagnosis, orthorexia can involve symptoms such as:
Risk factors for orthorexia
Orthorexia's causes are complex and may involve factors like genetics, mental health conditions, societal pressures, and personal experiences. While there is no way to predict exactly who orthorexia will impact, there are some risk factors that can cause an individual to be more prone to suffer from orthorexia, such as:
Perfectionism
Having a history of eating disorders or mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, or depression increase the likelihood of orthorexic tendencies. These conditions can lead to rigid thought patterns and behaviors surrounding food.
Negative life events or stress
Significant life changes, stressful events, or traumatic experiences may trigger the development of orthorexic behaviors as individuals seek control and order in their lives through strict dietary rules.
Extreme interest in wellness
An interest in health and wellness can be a positive pursuit, but when taken to an extreme, it can lead to dangerous behaviors. An individual's desire to optimize their health can evolve into an obsession with clean eating and an avoidance of certain foods.
What does treatment for orthorexia look like?
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Monte Nido can help
Our experienced team provides a supportive environment for addressing orthorexia's physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. We'll help you understand your condition, develop coping strategies, and nourish a balanced relationship with food.
Treatment involves a mix of individual and group therapy, nutrition counseling, meal coaching, and more. Our goal with orthorexia treatment is to help individuals address any underlying conditions or malnutrition, restore balanced eating habits, and improve their quality of life.
If you have more questions, please reach out
Frequently asked orthorexia questions
Like other restrictive eating disorders, orthorexia can lead to malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, menstrual irregularities, cardiovascular issues, and impaired social functioning. The rigid rules and obsession take an immense mental toll as well.
While not currently recognized as an official eating disorder diagnosis in the DSM-5, many experts view it as a potential type of anorexia, OCD, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Research on diagnostic criteria and prevalence rates is still emerging.
Orthorexia shares similarities with other eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Disorders can also occur simultaneously or oscillate between disorders. Proper assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Please contact our admissions team here by calling 888.228.1253 to set up an evaluation and start your recovery.