Are You Obsessed With Healthy Eating?

Written By Matt Priven

by Kelsey Chadwick, MS RDN

December 15th, 2023

Wanting to have a generally balanced diet and move your body is an important part of intuitive eating. However, “healthy” or “clean” eating can become an obsession and can cause disordered eating patterns that can actually harm the body. This is called orthorexia. It is defined as “an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating.” It is a serious condition with many health consequences which I will describe later on. Many of the health consequences of orthorexia are similar to those of anorexia nervosa because of the restriction involved.

It is also important to note that orthorexia is not an official mental health diagnosis that is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10). Despite this, it is still a very serious condition that should be talked about more. 

The following are behavioral, psychological and physical signs of orthorexia:

Behavioral Signs

  • Obsession with where and how food is prepared

  • Rigid food rules

  • Obsessive concerns regarding food and possible medical concerns

  • Reduced consumption of food or specific food groups

  • Obsessively checking nutrition labels and ingredient lists

  • Withdrawing from others

  • Unwillingness to eat food prepared by others

  • Linking self-esteem to adherence to food rules

  • Spending several hours per day thinking about what food might be served at an upcoming event

Psychological Signs

  • Body image concerns

  • Feelings of anxiety, guilt, or uncleanliness over eating food they regard as unhealthy.

  • Emotional wellbeing is overly dependent on eating the “right” food

  • Low mood or depression

Physical Signs

  • Loss of weight

  • Constipation

  • Dehydration

  • Lab fluctuations

  • Reduced concentration

  • Malnourishment

  • Thinning hair

Other signs include obsessive following of food and “healthy lifestyle” social media pages and blogs and thinking about food for several hours each day. Long term effects on the body include malnutrition, reduced cognitive functioning, impaired immune system, kidney issues, alteration in menstrual cycle, fertility issues, cardiovascular and heart issues, gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, stomach pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, lowered sex hormones and a decrease in bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis). 

Treatment of orthorexia is extremely important. It often includes psychotherapy to increase the variety of foods eaten as well as exposure to anxiety-provoking or fear foods. A treatment team may include a therapist, primary care provider and registered dietitian. 

Diet culture is sneaky. If eating “healthy” causes immense stress and anxiety, is it actually healthy? Having a positive and peaceful relationship with food and exercise is possible. Eating should be flexible and involve a variety of foods. If you’re ready to reclaim your intuitive eating skills, you are welcome to reach out for personal nutrition counseling with a member of our team.



Image above by | senivpetro

Matt Priven
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