1. ORTHOREXIA NERVOSA
WHEN HEALTHY TURNS OBSESSIVE
Orthorexia Nervosa is a term used to characterize people with an
obsession with eating foods they deem as healthy or ‘safe’.
The term comes from the Greek word ortho (“right” or “correct”)
and orexis (“appetite”), meaning “a correct diet”.
Orthorexia has many consequences, such as:
-loss in other interests and social interactions
-loss in the ability to eat intuitively, such as when hungry or full
-malnutrition
-death
Symptoms of Orthorexia Nervosa:
1). Skipping meals because the food is not healthy or pure enough.
2). Skipping family gatherings and social events in fear of not being in control of
food choices.
3) Spending an excessive amount of time planning upcoming meals.
4) Feeling guilty after eating a “bad” food.
5). Obsessing over the health content of foods.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from orthorexia
nervosa, help is available by calling the National Eating Disorder
Helpline at: (800) 931-2237, Monday–Friday from 9AM to 5PM.
Reference: National Eating Disorder Association
Created by: Kathryn Jurcak, Central Michigan University
