What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is an eating disorder that involves an intense focus on eating only foods perceived as “healthy” or “pure.” While prioritizing nutrition can be a positive goal, orthorexia can lead to rigid food rules, anxiety around eating, and disruptions to daily life. Sanford Behavioral Health recognizes the challenges people and their loved ones face when navigating these struggles. Our orthorexia treatment program offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help people develop a more balanced and flexible relationship with food while prioritizing both physical and emotional well-being. If you or someone you care about is dealing with food-related anxiety, recognizing the warning signs of orthorexia can be a crucial step in knowing when to seek help.
What Is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia is not recognized as a formal diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, but it’s still a very real and serious condition that can significantly impact a person’s life. The term was first coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman, who defined it as an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.
Unlike other eating disorders, orthorexia is not necessarily about body image or weight loss. Instead, it’s driven by a fixation on food purity and strict dietary rules. Over time, this rigid thinking can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and increased anxiety around eating.
What Are the Five Warning Signs of Orthorexia?
These are five crucial warning signs to keep an eye on:
1. An Obsession with “Healthy” Eating
One of the primary signs and symptoms of orthorexia is an extreme focus on eating only “clean” or “pure” foods. People with orthorexia may:
- Spend excessive time researching food ingredients
- Avoid entire food groups they perceive as “unhealthy”
- Experience intense anxiety when “safe” foods are unavailable
What may start as an attempt to eat well can become a rigid and compulsive behavior that interferes with daily life.
2. Eliminating More and More Foods
A major physical sign of orthorexia is malnutrition due to excessive dietary restrictions. Over time, people may:
- Cut out dairy, gluten, sugar, fats, and processed foods without a medical reason
- Develop extreme fear or guilt around eating certain foods
- Experience weight loss, fatigue, or other health concerns due to lack of nutrients
Restrictive eating patterns can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences if left untreated.
3. Judging Others’ Eating Habits
Another common sign of orthorexia in a loved one is when someone begins to express strong opinions about how others eat. This may include:
- Criticizing friends or family for their food choices
- Feeling morally superior based on their diet
- Refusing to eat meals prepared by others due to fear of “impure” ingredients
This judgment often stems from deep-seated anxiety about food, making it difficult to engage in regular social interactions.
4. Emotional Distress Around Food Choices
People struggling with orthorexia often experience intense emotions related to their diet. This can include:
- Anxiety or panic when “approved” foods are not available
- Feelings of guilt or shame after eating something they consider unhealthy
- Mood swings or irritability when unable to control their diet
These emotional responses can negatively impact relationships, daily routines, and mental health.
5. Prioritizing Diet Over Everything Else
One of the most concerning symptoms of orthorexia is when a person’s dietary habits begin to take priority over their overall well-being. This may include:
- Avoiding social events where “unsafe” foods may be present
- Skipping meals or under-eating due to food restrictions
- Letting food choices dictate their daily mood and self-worth
When food begins to control a person’s life, seeking professional support is essential.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Support for Orthorexia
If you or someone you know is struggling, getting help can prevent serious health issues. Orthorexia treatment programs may focus on the following:
- Restoring balanced eating habits
- Challenging rigid food rules
- Addressing underlying anxiety and fear
- Providing medical and nutritional support
- Improving overall mental health and well-being
Treatment programs can offer support and guidance in developing a healthier relationship with food and promoting sustainable, balanced eating patterns. Asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a brave and powerful step toward growth and healing.
Call Sanford Behavioral Health for Support, Healing, and Recovery
If you recognize these signs of orthorexia in yourself or a loved one, know that compassionate support is available. Sanford Behavioral Health’s eating disorder treatment programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Our multidisciplinary team—including clinical and medical professionals, dietitians, and movement specialists—provides comprehensive care to help patients restore a balanced relationship with food. Call us today at 616.202.3326 or contact us online to learn more about our orthorexia treatment program and how we can support you or a loved one on the path to lasting recovery.
