What is Orthorexia? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Orthorexia is defined as an obsession with healthy eating. While individuals prefer healthy foods, some go beyond its limits, dedicating a large part of their thoughts, behaviors, and daily lives to this healthy eating rule. If orthorexia becomes more than just a desire for healthy eating, it can have negative effects on the individual's overall health.
Symptoms of Orthorexia
The symptoms of orthorexia are generally characterized by excessive healthy eating habits. These symptoms can negatively affect individuals' social lives and psychological health. The most common symptoms of orthorexia include:
- Only consuming specific types of food, refusing those outside of these foods.
- Focusing on the quality of food and constantly checking food labels.
- Exerting pressure on themselves or others regarding healthy eating.
- Avoiding social events as a result of eating situations.
- Feeling excessive guilt and anxiety after consuming a food perceived as wrong or unhealthy.
- Spending too much time on slow meals or food preparation processes.
Causes of Orthorexia
The causes of orthorexia can be quite diverse. Psychological reasons, societal pressures, and the evolution of eating habits can trigger this condition. Here are some possible causes:
- Psychological Factors: Mental issues such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and low self-esteem can play a role in the development of orthorexia.
- Societal Pressures: Social media and healthy lifestyle trends can make individuals feel pressured to make constant healthy choices.
- Nutrition Knowledge: Being overly knowledgeable can increase some individuals' dependence on healthy foods. Being meticulous about food intake can lead to orthorexia.
- Past Experiences: A traumatic experience related to nutrition or past experiences like obesity can also trigger orthorexial attitudes.
Treatment of Orthorexia
Treatment of orthorexia requires an approach that can be tailored to the individual's condition. It is generally carried out with psychotherapy, counseling, and medication if necessary. Treatment methods may include:
- Individual Psychotherapy: Therapies that help individuals review their thoughts and behaviors to achieve a healthy eating habit may be used.
- Group Therapy: Finding support in group therapy where individuals who have similar experiences come together can have positive effects.
- Nutrition Counseling: Working with a nutrition expert or dietitian can be beneficial in developing healthy eating habits.
- Medication: In necessary cases, medications may be used to treat accompanying mental conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Orthorexia is a condition that develops when the desire for healthy eating goes to extremes. It is important for individuals to be aware of healthy living. Seeking psychological support and taking necessary precautions are the most important steps to overcome orthorexia.
