Healthy Eating or Harmful Obsession? The Rise of Orthorexia

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is a common New Year’s resolution, but experts warn that taking it to the extreme can lead to serious health issues. Research by Semmelweis University reveals that a growing number of people, particularly fashion models, may be at risk of developing orthorexia nervosa (ON), an unhealthy obsession with eating only “clean” or “healthy” foods.

Orthorexia nervosa was first described in 1997 and sits at the intersection of eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Unlike other eating disorders, ON focuses on the quality rather than the quantity of food consumed. People with ON often restrict their diets to foods they deem healthy, such as organic or carbohydrate-free items, even if these choices are nutritionally unbalanced.

Consuming only one type of food, like vegetables, fish, or raw ingredients, can result in severe nutrient deficiencies, just as restrictive eating disorders do,”

explains Dr. Nikolett Bogár, a PhD student in eating disorders at Semmelweis University.

A groundbreaking study by Semmelweis researchers, published in Eating and Weight Disorders, found that more than 35% of fashion models exhibited signs of ON, compared to over 20% of young university students in a control group. The research highlighted how societal norms around health and beauty have evolved, with healthy eating now seen as an essential part of a desirable lifestyle.

The study also examined the emotional ties to healthy eating, finding that 95% of participants associated positive feelings with their dietary choices.

This normalization of strict eating habits, combined with societal praise for healthy lifestyles, often masks the dangers of ON.

Dr. Bogár, who previously worked as a fashion model, cautions that orthorexia can disrupt everyday life. “It is a red flag if someone organizes their entire life around eating healthily, skipping social events or family gatherings due to dietary restrictions,” she says.

Symptoms of orthorexia-related nutrient deficiencies include hair loss, brittle nails, missed periods, fatigue, and even clinical eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.

Fact

Research indicates that orthorexia nervosa is more prevalent among higher-income individuals, likely due to greater access to specialty foods and wellness trends. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify this issue by promoting idealized, curated images of healthy eating and fitness. The validation from likes and comments often reinforces obsessive behaviors, making users more likely to adopt rigid dietary rules.

Dr. Bogár emphasizes that eating should be more than just a source of nutrition—it is also a social and cultural experience. “January is not the time to aim for ultra-clean eating but to establish a sustainable, balanced diet,” she advises. “Allow for the occasional indulgence without guilt. Food should nourish both body and soul, not become a form of self-sabotage.”

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