When Healthy Eating Goes Too Far

Have you ever heard of this term? Orthotics? This happens when people become so obsessed with eating “pure” or “perfect” food that it starts to harm their health.
Dr. Steven Bratman first talked about this problem in 1997. It differs from other eating issues because it is not about the amount you eat, but about being overly concerned about the quality of the food.
Orthorexia is a mental prison.
What is orthorexia?
The orthopedic process begins with good intentions, which is trying to eat healthy. But it turns into a strict and unhealthy obsession with eating organic, unprocessed and “clean” foods.
While it's great to know what's in your food, orthotics take this to an extreme level. This can lead to not getting enough nutrients, feeling isolated, and developing mental health problems.
This is the opposite of the point of eating healthy.
True stories shed light on this issue
Our review includes real-life examples confirming the orthotic effect.
One case involved a 28-year-old woman whose strict vegetarian diet, initially endorsed for health, left her with severe malnutrition and isolation.
These stories reflect the experiences shared by some of our readers, focusing on the fine line between healthy eating and harmful obsession.
How common is orthorexia?
Studies in the literature review indicate varying prevalence rates, from 6% in some groups to a staggering 88.7% among some professionals, such as nutritionists.
These numbers show that orthotics are a growing concern, especially for those who are very health conscious.
Orthorexia is more prevalent than previously thought, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of this condition.
The thin line between health and obsessiveness
As the literature indicates, it is easy to move from health awareness to orthotic development.
One well-known case is that of blogger Jordan Younger, whose experience with orthorexia shows how influences like social media can contribute to this unhealthy obsession.
Discover and help with orthorexia
If someone is really strict about their diet, gets upset when they can't eat certain foods, and spends a lot of time worrying about food, they may have orthorexia.
A review of the literature helps identify signs of orthorexia, such as extreme diet rigidity, distress about food choices, and feelings of superiority in their diet. Professional guidance from dietitians and therapists, including methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is essential in osteopathic treatment.
It is important to get help from nutritionists and therapists. They can work to understand why someone feels this way about food and how to improve.
Conclusion: Balance is key
The most important thing is balance. Being healthy is not just about what you eat; It's also about being happy and not letting food control your life.
Orthorexia is a reminder that although the pursuit of health is a good thing, it should not come at the expense of overall happiness and quality of life.
Orthorexia shows us that too much of a good thing can be bad. We need more research to understand it better and help people find a happy compromise when it comes to food.