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Orthorexia Nervosa is a relatively new term used to describe a problematic obsession with eating only healthy or "pure" foods. Unlike other Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, Orthorexia focuses on the quality, not the quantity, of food consumed. Individuals with Orthorexia become fixated on the idea of consuming foods they perceive as clean, organic, or natural, often eliminating entire food groups deemed unhealthy or impure. This fixation stems from a desire for optimal health and purity, but it can escalate into an unhealthy obsession that disrupts daily life, relationships, and mental well-being. People with Orthorexia may experience extreme anxiety or guilt when deviating from their strict dietary rules. They might spend excessive amounts of time researching and preparing "perfect" meals or avoiding social situations that involve food they consider unhealthy. As time progresses, Orthorexia may result in inadequate nutrition, weakened physical health, and social isolation due to inflexible dietary patterns. While not officially recognized as a distinct eating disorder in diagnostic manuals, the impact of Orthorexia on mental and physical health necessitates attention and support from mental health professionals. Treatment often involves therapy to address underlying anxieties and attitudes toward food, promoting a balanced approach to eating for overall well-being.
