Understanding Othorexia
Recognizing the signs, finding support, and seeking treatment
This page was created in collaboration with our friends at Monte Nido.
What Is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia was first coined in 1997 and defined as a “fixation on eating proper food”. Orthorexia, though not a formal eating disorder diagnosis, has gained significant attention due to the association with rigid and disordered eating behaviors and the effects these behaviors have on quality of life and cognition.
What are common warning signs of Orthorexia?
Detecting an eating disorder can be a layered and sensitive topic. A big indicator might be a noticeable change in a person’s attitudes towards food and their body. Several signs of orthorexia may include:
- Significant weight loss and/or malnutrition because of eating only “clean” or “healthy” foods
- Fixation on eating the “right” way
- Spending significant amounts of time thinking about food, food preparation, or the purity of food
- Poor insight into the severity of their eating patterns
- Unwillingness or inability to change their eating behaviors despite significant malnutrition or other medical concerns
These are just some of the signs of orthorexia. Everyone’s experience is different and all eating and body image concerns deserve immediate attention.
Is Orthorexia really an eating disorder?
Although Orthorexia is not a defined eating disorder, it can have serious medical consequences and many view this as a subtype of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and other eating disorders. It’s also important to remember that Orthorexia and Anorexia Nervosa can exist at any weight and individuals who are presenting with any of the above signs should be screened appropriately and seek medical care.
Is there a connection between Orthorexia and OCD?
There are key features of OCD and eating disorders, particularly Orthorexia, including recurrent and intrusive thoughts around food and health, worry about contamination, and ritualistic behaviors regarding food preparation and consumption. And while there are common symptoms, it is important to note that one does not predict the other. Both are serious conditions that can severely impact day-to-day functioning, and individuals should be screened as needed and seek support.
What Type of Treatment is Available for Orthorexia?
There are several treatment options available ranging from residential care to outpatient work with a therapist and dietitian. Again, the best course of treatment will vary by individual. We recommend working with your medical providers to develop a treatment plan. Check out our patient advocacy page to learn more about eating disorder treatment options and how to advocate for yourself in a medical setting.
If you need help finding an eating disorder treatment provider, browse the ANAD Treatment Directory or call our Helpline at 1-888-375-7767 to request a personalized treatment referral. Our peer support volunteers are here to help you!
I’m concerned about or am currently supporting a loved one with Orthorexia. What should I do?
We are sorry to hear about your loved one and are here to support you!
Download our How to Have A Convo Guide for several tips on navigating those early conversations with your loved one including the use of “I” statements and the importance of listening.
Our Support At Every Stage Guide is another valuable resource for you throughout your loved one’s healing journey.
ANAD has partnered with FEAST to offer weekly support groups for parents, caregivers, and siblings. These free, virtual spaces offer the opportunity to connect and build community with others experiencing similar situations. You are not in this alone!
Support at every stage
This guide provides essential information and tangible suggestions for effectively supporting an adult in your life through the process of treatment and recovery.
Where can I learn more about Orthorexia
Here are several blog posts from our treatment center partner Monte Nido with more information.
Orthorexia blurs the lines between healthy and harmful
Orthorexia involves an obsessive focus on eating only "pure" or "healthy" foods, often leading to rigid dietary rules and anxiety. It can manifest as compulsive label checking, excessive meal planning, and fear of "unhealthy" foods. Risk factors include perfectionism and co-occurring conditions like OCD or anxiety. Effective treatment addresses both disordered eating patterns and underlying mental health concerns.
A quick guide to orthorexia
Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an extreme preoccupation with eating only foods perceived as healthy or pure, often leading to rigid dietary rules and social isolation. Unlike other eating disorders centered on weight or body image, orthorexia focuses on food quality, with sufferers experiencing intense anxiety over "impure" foods. The condition can result in nutritional deficiencies and significant disruptions to daily life. Effective treatment involves addressing both the obsessive behaviors and the underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder.
You can also read more about the lived experience with anorexia and the road to recovery from several members of the ANAD Community.
Jason: Overcoming OCD & Orthorexia
Jason Wood shares his journey of overcoming orthorexia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, detailing how his pursuit of health spiraled into a dangerous obsession. His experience highlights the isolation men often face with eating disorders and the challenges of finding appropriate support. Through recovery, he found purpose in helping others and now leads peer support initiatives to foster connection and break stigma. Jason’s story underscores the importance of community and open dialogue in healing from disordered eating.
Jason’s Book: Starving for Survival
Starving for Survival by Jason Wood is a memoir detailing his struggle with orthorexia, an unhealthy obsession with clean eating that developed after personal trauma and loss. The book highlights how well-intentioned dietary control escalated into a life-threatening condition, shedding light on the physical, mental, and social toll of orthorexia. Wood's story also addresses the stigma surrounding men's mental health and eating disorders, encouraging open dialogue and vulnerability.
Source: Bhattacharya A, Cooper M, McAdams C, Peebles R, Timko CA. Cultural shifts in the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa: The case of Orthorexia Nervosa. Appetite. 2022 Mar 1;170:105869. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105869. Epub 2021 Dec 12. PMID: 34910984.