The term "orthorexia"  has been gradually making its way into conversations about health and wellness in recent times. Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterised by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. In this beginner's guide, we will look into what orthorexia is, its medical definition and how it develops. We will also explain the signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for, the potential causes of the condition, and the impact it can have on an individual's life. Importantly, we will also provide methods you can use to show support to someone struggling with orthorexia, or how you can get help yourself.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about orthorexia:

• Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is a condition marked by an obsessive focus on eating foods that a person believes are pure, clean, or healthy.

• Orthorexia can develop from a combination of factors, including perfectionism, low self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, pressure from social media and a history of dieting or disordered eating.

• Common symptoms include avoiding social situations involving food, fear of contamination or illness from eating “improper” foods, significant food restrictions, malnutrition and being overly critical of others’ food choices.

• There is currently no universally accepted diagnostic method for orthorexia.

• If you’re concerned someone has orthorexia, approach them kindly and without judgement. Encourage them to seek help from a GP or specialist, offer emotional support and look after your own wellbeing too during the process.

Orthorexia is a term derived from the Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning ‘proper’ and ‘orexia’ meaning ‘appetite’. It is an eating disorder characterised by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. Individuals with orthorexia develop a fixation on consuming ‘pure’ foods and strictly avoid ‘bad’ foods, often eliminating anything they think is unnatural or processed. This belief in the importance of healthy eating can lead to a restrictive diet which negatively impacts on physical and mental well-being [1].

Video: Orthorexia Disorder Explained By A Psychologist

In the video below Melisa Eyuboglu, Assistant Psychologist at Private Therapy Clinic, explains what Orthorexia Nervosa is, covering signs to look out for and how it is typically treated:

Yes, orthorexia does have a medical name: orthorexia nervosa. This term is used to describe the eating disorder characterised by an obsessive focus on healthy eating.

As with any mental health disorder, the development of orthorexia varies for each individual, and it's essential to consult a GP or a qualified eating disorder specialist to understand personal circumstances [2]. While there is no single known cause for orthorexia, several risk factors can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food. These include a history of trauma, unresolved personal conflicts, low self-esteem, a perfectionist personality, a long history of dieting, substance abuse, an obsession with exercise, societal pressures, unresolved childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, bullying, and social media obsession. An intense need to fit in and a desire for extreme control can also play significant roles [3].

There are a number of signs that you can look out for if you think that you or someone you know may be suffering from orthorexia. Here is a table of signs and symptoms to look out for with orthorexia [4]:

Diagnosing orthorexia can be hard as there is a lack of formal diagnostic criteria. It remains unclear whether orthorexia is a distinct eating disorder, part of another eating disorder such as anorexia, or a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Healthcare providers can use several tools to help diagnose orthorexia. These include [5]:

• ORTO-15: A 15-question screening tool designed to detect symptoms and behaviours associated with orthorexia. A score of 40 is the diagnostic cutoff. However, ORTO-15 has faced criticism for not effectively distinguishing between pathological eating behaviours and eating-related values, such as ethical veganism or religious dietary practices.

• ORTO-R: An updated version of ORTO-15, this tool includes the six most relevant questions related to orthorexia symptoms and behaviours.

• Bratman Orthorexia Test (BOT): A 10-question screening tool with “Yes/No” responses, focusing on obsessive thinking about food, beliefs about nutrition and health, dietary restriction, and related factors. It is not widely used in practice.

• Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ): A 21-item questionnaire that assesses knowledge, feelings (both positive and negative), and problematic behaviours concerning healthy eating. Although promising, the EHQ requires further refinement to become a valid diagnostic tool for orthorexia.

If you suspect someone is suffering from orthorexia, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Start by educating yourself about orthorexia to better understand it. When you talk to them, do so in a non-judgemental and empathetic manner, expressing concern for their well-being rather than criticising their eating habits. Encourage them to seek professional help from a GP or an eating disorder specialist and offer to help them in finding resources or attending appointments. Listen to them and avoid making judgemental comments about their diet or appearance. It may also help to try and set a positive example with your own eating behaviours and you should always make sure to take care of your own mental and emotional health while supporting them [6].

Video: How to help someone with an eating disorder?

Mental health charity, Mind, has put together a helpful video to explain how to help someone that you may feel is suffering from an eating disorder. Watch it below:

Orthorexia is a growing concern in the world of eating disorders, characterised by an unhealthy obsession with consuming "pure" foods and a fear of eating anything deemed unhealthy. It can develop due to a variety of factors, including trauma, low self-esteem, societal pressures and a desire for control. The signs of orthorexia range from excessive worry about food quality to physical signs of malnutrition, making it challenging to identify without professional help. While there is no single cause or clear diagnostic criteria, early recognition and intervention are crucial.

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[1] Orthorexia: can healthy eating go too far? - BDA

[2] What is orthorexia? 8 subtle signs of the 'clean' eating disorder - Cosmopolitan

[3] What Causes Orthorexia Nervosa and Why Did I Develop this Disorder? - Center for Discovery

[4] Orthorexia Nervosa: Signs & Treatment - WebMD

[5] Orthorexia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of a Misunderstood Eating Disorder - Healthline

[6] Approaching a Loved One Who Is Struggling with Orthorexia - Eating Disorder Hope