Orthorexia, what is it?
Orthorexia is a disease related to an eating disorder. The term comes from the Greek “orthos” which means right, correct, and “orexis” which means appetite. Different from anorexia or bulimia, orthorexia does not result in the fact of consuming an inappropriate volume and quantity of food but in a real obsession with its quality. For the orthorexic, eating in a healthy way is a constant obligation. A quest for food perfection that can prove to be, over time, psychologically exhausting and a source of social exclusion.
How is orthorexia expressed in everyday life?
On a daily basis, an orthorexic refuses to include even a reasonable amount of so-called “pleasure” foods in their diet. This can range, depending on the individual, from a dish with sauce, to sweets, to biscuits, going as far as cheeses, meat, 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 would mainly affect 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 to be sick and therefore do not consult. In adolescents, especially teenage girls, this disorder can hide another eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
What causes orthorexia?
In a society that advocates a Healthy eating, with 5 fruits and vegetables a day, neither too salty nor 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 favorable ground, particularly a self-esteem deficit. Not everyone who wants to take care of their health becomes 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 these questions, consider consulting. If you answer yes 4 or 5 times, 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 strengthened by your desire to eat healthy?
– Have you given up any foods you liked in favor of “healthy” food?
– Does your diet interfere with your outings, alienating you from family and friends?
– Do you experience a feeling of guilt as soon as you deviate from your regime ?
– Do you feel at peace with yourself and think you have good control over yourself when you eat healthy?
How to treat orthorexia?
Orthorexia is a psychological illness 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.
