Is Your Healthy Eating Becoming Unhealthy? Understanding Orthorexia

Eating nutritious foods is important, but when the pursuit of health becomes obsessive, it may point to a deeper issue. Some individuals become so focused on “clean” or “pure” eating that it negatively impacts their mental, emotional, and physical health.

This lesser-known condition is called orthorexia — and while it isn’t yet an official diagnosis, it’s gaining more attention in the mental health and medical communities as a healthy eating disorder.

What Is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia nervosa is a term used to describe an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods perceived as healthy, natural, or clean. The condition was first introduced in 1996 by Dr. Steven Bratman, who noticed this pattern in patients who were trying so hard to eat healthfully that it was harming them.

Unlike other eating disorders that focus on quantity or body weight, orthorexia is centered on food quality. People may:

• Eliminate entire food groups (gluten, dairy, sugar, etc.)
• Refuse to eat meals prepared by others
• Experience anxiety or guilt when eating something “imperfect”
• Spend excessive time researching food, labels, or sourcing

Over time, this behavior can lead to malnutrition, social isolation, and mental health struggles—even though the person believes they are making healthy choices.

Signs and Symptoms of Orthorexia

Because orthorexia doesn’t have an official place in the DSM-5, diagnosing it can be tricky. However, many signs are widely recognized:

• Extreme concern over food purity or sourcing
• Fear of illness from “impure” foods
• Avoidance of social events involving food
• Obsessive meal planning or ingredient research
• Sudden or unhealthy weight loss
• Judgment of others’ eating habits
• Anxiety or depression linked to eating

In many cases, orthorexia may also co-occur with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxiety.

Orthorexia vs Anorexia: What's the Difference?

While orthorexia and anorexia can have overlapping behaviors, their motivations are often different.

However, some individuals may experience both conditions. A person may restrict food both for purity and for concerns about body weight or shape, requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment.

How to Treat Orthorexia

Treatment for orthorexia focuses on restoring a healthy relationship with food, and often includes:

• Nutritional counseling to reintroduce safe, balanced eating
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted thoughts
• Support groups or therapy for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or OCD
• Medical care if signs of malnutrition are present

It’s important to remember: recovery is possible, and no one should face it alone.

When to Seek Help

You should speak with a healthcare professional if you or someone you care about:

• Has increasing anxiety around food
• Avoids eating socially
• Shows sudden weight loss or fatigue
• Expresses extreme guilt after eating certain foods
• Is preoccupied with food or nutrition to the point of distress

Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and help build a healthier mindset around food.

Get Support from BASS Medical Group

Recovering from any eating disorder, including orthorexia, takes time and professional care. At BASS Medical Group, our compassionate team can help you:

• Identify symptoms of unhealthy eating patterns
• Connect with mental health professionals
• Address physical impacts like weight loss or malnutrition
• Regain balance and control over your health

You Deserve a Healthy Relationship with Food

If your focus on clean eating is starting to take over your life, it’s time to talk to someone. Schedule an appointment with BASS Medical Group and take the first step toward healing.