Have you heard of Orthorexia Nervosa?

Regardless of your answer, you have probably seen and heard it in the patients/clients that you see.

Introduced by Steven Bratman, orthorexia nervosa is a term used to describe a fixation with eating foods that are considered “pure” in quality. Literally translated, the term means “fixation on righteous eating.” Although it is not an officially recognized medical condition or eating disorder, it can be a symptom of an eating disorder.

Typical orthorexia behaviors include restricting foods to those perceived as “healthy,” eating only organic foods, feeling guilty if “unapproved” foods are consumed, and self-punishing for deviations from these restrictions.

Orthorexia can lead to social isolation, can impede healthy relationships, and may lead to physical and mental health problems.

In contrast to anorexia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa is not necessarily associated with a desire to be thin or the fear of becoming fat. Thus, while it may be a contributing factor to anorexia or another eating disorder, its symptoms alone do not necessarily meet the criteria for an eating disorder.

**Source: Shepphird, S.F. (2009). 100 Questions and Answers about Anorexia Nervosa. Sudbury MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

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