Not many people have heard of Orthorexia Nervosa and it's not currently recognised as a clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5, like Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa
Orthorexia is a term coined by by Steven Bratman, MD to describe his own experience with food and eating. It describes people who have an “unhealthy obsession” with otherwise healthy eating. The term "Orthorexia Nervosa" literally means “fixation on righteous eating.” Orthorexia starts out as an innocent attempt to eat healthier but orthorexics become fixated on food quality and purity.
They become consumed with what and how much to eat, and how to deal with “slip-ups.” Incredibly strong will-power is needed to maintain this rigid eating style. Every day is a chance to eat right, be “good,” rise above others in dietary prowess, and self-punish if temptation wins (usually through stricter eating, fasts and exercise). Self-esteem becomes wrapped up in the purity of orthorexics’ diet and they sometimes feel superior to others, especially in regard to food intake.
It starts by cutting out certain food groups- protein, dairy, gluten etc... Eventually food choices become so restrictive, in both variety and calories, that health suffers – an ironic twist for a person so completely dedicated to healthy eating. Eventually, the obsession with healthy eating can crowd out other activities and interests, impair relationships, and become physically dangerous.
If you know anyone who show this kind of behaviour, suggest they see a nutritionalist and not take advice from blogs and untrained health advocates.
Watch this interesting report from SBS2.
I will be here, eating a nice dirty burger and fries...
#CleanEating?
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