Orthorexia Nervosa- a Review

Abstract

Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsession with avoiding foods perceived to be unhealthy. It seems to be more common in men than in women and in those with a lower level of education. It may be a food-centered manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder. Orthorexia is an emotionally disturbed, self-punishing relationship with food that involves a progressively shrinking universe of foods deemed acceptable. The more restrictive the diet, the more likely it is to set off the psychological factors that lead to an eating disorder. Raw foods veganism is on the other extreme, and has a fairly high orthorexic potential. Orthorexia sufferers often display signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders that frequently co-occur with anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders. An orthorexic may avoid numerous foods, including those made with artificial colors, pesticides, fat, sugar, salt, animal or dairy products. A woman with orthorexia may find that her food obsessions begin to hinder everyday activities. Orthroxia can put a strain on relationships with family and friends, as relationships become less important than holding to dietary patterns. Maintaining an obsession with health food may cause a restriction of calories merely because available food isn't considered to be good enough. Orthorexia is a discrete diagnosis like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Obsession with weight is one of the primary signs of anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders, but is not a symptom of orthorexia. orthorexia is a medical disease that can result in irreversible health complications, including death.