"Psychiatric disorders of current Generation" - Orthorexia Nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa

(Article published in April 2019 edition of Surat IMA magazine "mediscene")

“Preoccupation with healthy eating which may lead to excessive concern about the food being eaten on daily basis, spending more time and effort behind checking food contents, calorie intake and nutrients and other additives and imaging disastrous outcomes affecting their body image which may result in weight loss and overall social impairments”.

The word was first coined in 1997 by Dr Steven Bratman, it was then not considered to be as a eating disorder like anorexia and bulimia nervosa. However recently there has been a rise in all over world regarding the need to formalize it as a disorder. However the latest DSM 5 manual does not formally include it as a disorder as of now.

Signs and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa

• Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels.
• An increase in concern about health of food ingredients.
• Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy products, no meat etc).
• Inability to eat anything except a limited number of food items which are considered to be healthy and pure.
• Unusual interest in health of what others are eating.
• Spending a lot of time in imaging what type of food will be served at upcoming events.
• Getting distressed easily if safe and healthy food is not available.
• Reading excessively about healthy foods on social media and in newspapers and books.
• Body image issues.

Health effects of orthorexia nervosa

The effects are serious and go beyond just being a lifestyle choice. Obsession with healthy eating always can cause a lot of emotional and social problems. It may lead to social impairments, inability to go out and may cause relationship issues. When it leads to such consequences then it may be as harmful as other eating disorders.

Because of constantly eating healthy food, the person may start feeling strongly that they are superior to others and are more fit and healthy. Due to this their behavior towards others may change and strain the relationships.

Due to constant check on calorie count, the amount consumed may be less than the basic required which may lead to severe body weight loss, and it may cause malnutrition and anemia in long run.

Many times healthy food may not be available easily which may lead to severe anxiety and restlessness in the person. In long term they may develop anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders.