Orthorexia, what is it?
Orthorexia is a disease linked to an eating disorder. The term comes from the Greek “orthos” which means straight, correct, and from “orexis” which means appetite. Different from anorexia or bulimia, orthorexia does not result in consuming an inappropriate volume and quantity of food but in a real obsession with the quality of it. For the orthorexic, eating in a healthy way is an obligation at all times. A quest for nutritional perfection that can prove to be, over time, psychologically exhausting and a source of social exclusion.
How does orthorexia manifest itself on a daily basis?
On a daily basis, an orthorexic refuses to include in his diet, a quantity, even a reasonable one, of so-called “pleasure” foods. This can go, according to the individuals, from the dish in sauce, to the candies, to the biscuits, while going to the cheeses, to the meat, to non-organic foods, etc … The slightest intake of foods defined as not being healthy causes violent guilt and deep anguish.
Who is affected by orthorexia?
Orthorexia affects mostly adults, with a prevalence of women and athletes. However, it is difficult to know the precise profile of orthorexics, the majority of these people do not consider themselves sick and therefore do not consult. In adolescents, especially adolescent girls, this disorder can hide another eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
What is orthorexia caused by?
In a society that advocates Healthy eating, with 5 fruits and vegetables a day, neither too salty or too sweet, etc … orthorexia can be difficult to detect. However, it is linked, beyond public health messages, to certain psychological weaknesses and mainly affects people with a favorable environment, particularly a self-esteem deficit. Not all people who want to take care of their health become orthorexic.
Knowing if you have orthorexia: the Bratman test
A simple test, developed by Steven Bratman, can diagnose people with orthorexia. If you answer yes to all of these questions, consider consulting. If you answer 4 or 5 times yes, it is important to adopt a more flexible attitude towards your diet:
– Do you spend more than 3 hours a day thinking about your diet ?
– Do you plan your meals several days in advance?
– Is the nutritional value of your meal more important to you than the pleasure of eating it?
– Has the quality of your life deteriorated, while the quality of your food has improved?
– Have you recently become more demanding of yourself?
– Is your self-esteem reinforced by your desire to eat healthy?
– Have you given up foods you liked in favor of “healthy” foods?
– Does your diet interfere with your outings, keeping you away from family and friends?
– Do you feel guilty as soon as you stray from your diet ?
– Do you feel at peace with yourself and do you think you are in control of yourself when you eat healthy?
How to treat orthorexia?
Orthorexia is a psychological condition that must be treated with the help of a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist. Do not hesitate to consult if you are likely to suffer from orthorexia.
