Orthorexia, a new ED?
sites • July 9, 2021
A new eating disorder or part of the status quo?
According to the National Eating Disorder Association, (NEDA) the term ‘orthorexia’ was coined in 1998 and means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating. It is difficult to get an estimate on precisely how many people have orthorexia, and whether it’s a stand-alone eating disorder, a type of existing eating disorder like anorexia, or a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Studies have shown that many individuals with orthorexia also have obsessive-compulsive disorder.
WARNING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ORTHOREXIA
Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
An increase in concern about the health of ingredients
Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (all sugar, all carbs, all dairy, all meat, all animal products)
An inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed ‘healthy’ or ‘pure’
Unusual interest in the health of what others are eating
Spending hours per day thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events
Showing high levels of distress when ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ foods aren’t available
Obsessive following of food and ‘healthy lifestyle’ blogs on Twitter and Instagram
Body image concerns may or may not be present
We all know someone (or many people) that fit this description. Sadly, it is getting more and more common. I fell into this mindset earlier in my life and it showed up in my exercise routine. Now, working in the fitness industry, I recognize when clients have orthorexic symptoms. It's not uncommon for people to believe in all or nothing exercise mentality and will push themselves to the point of exhaustion. This can manifest by skipping warm-ups, refusing to take a break, or not allowing their bodies to cool down. I confronted them with kindness and curiosity and mention that what they are doing may not be the best choice mentally or physically. Thankfully, Pilates emphasizes quality over quantity, and precision, breath, and balance are principles. I receive mixed responses, but I believe t's important to remind clients to slow down and check in with their bodies. At times it can be frustrating, but I know that they are suffering. I hope that they can shift their motivations and treat their bodies with kindness and respect. Orthorexia is often hidden by the disguise of health and wellness and can lead to eating disorders, especially in adolescents. If you have symptoms of Orthorexia or an Eating Disorder please seek help from a medical professional.
Intuitive Wellness
We know that the standard way of wellness hasn't worked and that guilt, shame, and fear won't make us any "healthier".Intuitive Wellness is a dynamic process that is always evolving and unique to each individual. Our wellbeing is affected by what we do, think, feel, and believe. Our definition of wellness has been significantly influenced by social norms and creates doubt, anxiety, and fear. Instead, wellness should align with our intuition and emphasize pleasure, satisfaction, and self-care. Ultimately, this will be what leads us to long-term health. Wellness includes our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Within each of these, we get to decide what is valuable and how to best take care of ourselves. Part of the intuitive process includes using interoceptive awareness (subtle sensory body-based feelings). This tool is paramount to our intuitive wellness. It's there that our intentions, choices, and actions empower positive change. It's where we thrive. I challenge you to redefine what wellness means to you. Life can flow with more ease and joy. Only you can connect the dots. .
Get out of your head and into your body. Decouple exercise from weight loss.