Orthorexia nervosa is an obsession with healthy eating. Unlike people with Anorexia-Bulimia Nervosa, people with Orthorexia focus on the quality of food rather than losing weight or being thin.
Symptoms of Orthorexia
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"Unhealthy “Fear of consuming food.
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Having an obsession or preoccupation with healthy foods, nutrition, and eating.
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Avoid a particular eating style without worry and not being able to abandon the diet cycle.
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Obsessively checking the nutritional content/labels of the foods consumed.
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Not having any health problems despite the imposition of food bans. (For example, gluten, sugar, carbohydrates, fats)
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Refrain from consuming food prepared by others.
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Your own food prepared by others. Taking food wherever it goes because it doesn't meet “healthy” standards.
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Spending too much time reviewing menus or thinking about food served at events.
CAUTION!
Irregular eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, or socioeconomic status.
Trying to "do it right" when it comes to nutrition can be tempting, but it can backfire. If you are obsessed with your weight, feel guilty about your food choices, or routinely follow restrictive diets, consider consulting a specialist.
Risk Factors for the Development of Orthorexia
Research on the exact causes of orthorexia is scarce. However, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, perfectionism tendencies, high anxiety and need for control can be counted as risk factors. Social factors such as prejudice are also associated with orthorexia-related behaviors.
The rapid increase in the promotion of "clean eating" lifestyles on social media may also play a role in the development of orthorexia. Clean eating advocates It encourages the consumption of “minimally processed” foods. But the phrase “clean eating” defines other foods as “unsuitable” or “undesirable.”
Negative Health Effects of Orthorexia
The adverse health effects associated with orthorexia generally fall into one of the following 3 categories:
1 .Physical Effects
Although studies on orthorexia are limited, it is likely to cause the same medical complications as other eating disorders.
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For example; deficiencies of essential nutrients caused by restrictive diets can result in anemia.
Severe malnutrition; It can cause digestive problems, electrolyte and hormonal imbalances, metabolic acidosis, general weakness, and a weakened immune system. These physical complications are very serious and should not be taken lightly.
2.Psychological Effects
Breaking dietary rules for orthorexic individuals; results in guilt, self-hatred, and individuals resort to potentially "dangerous" ways for purification. (For example, fasts, detoxes, etc.)
In addition, people with orthorexia spend a lot of time examining whether specific foods are "clean" or "pure." This; Exposure of vegetables to pesticides may include concerns about hormones, artificial flavors or preservatives used in milk production. This preoccupation with nutrition greatly limits one's daily life. It can lead to a decrease in productivity, social life, activities, and enjoyment.
3.Social Effects
People with orthorexia experience certain periods of the day. They follow strict rules that determine which foods can be eaten at any time. Such rigid eating habits can make it difficult to participate in social activities revolving around food, such as dinner parties or eating out. This can lead to social isolation.
Treatment for Orthorexia
The first step in overcoming orthorexia is, to determine its existence. Acknowledging the problem can be difficult. Because people with this disorder They are less likely to notice negative effects on their health and social functioning. In fact, many believe that their behavior promotes health rather than harms it.
For eating disorders; Remember that help is available and eating disorders can be treated. You can get help from your doctor, dietitian, psychologist for treatment.
Healthy days
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