The term ‘Orthorexia’ was first coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman. The combination of the Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning correct or right and ‘orexis’ meaning appetite gives the lose definition of correct eating; prior to coining the term Bratman (2007) previously referred to Orthorexia as “righteous eating”. Predominantly, the primary focus is eating healthy food. In addition to healthy eating, Battaglia purports that orthorexics “obsess” over the quality of the food they eat more than the quantity.
Not uncommon to many ‘diet plans’, the orthorexic places high importance on large quantities of fruit and vegetables in the eating plan, but often will fixate on eliminating what they deem ‘bad’ foods; some sufferers trying to “completely eliminate fat, sodium and carbohydrates” from their diet (www.waldenbehaviouralcare.com). Dr Bratman affectionately refers to orthorexics as ‘healthfood junkies’, unfortunately this rather tongue-in-cheek term does little to relay the seriousness and potentially life-threatening nature of the disorder.
In Dr Ingrid van Heerden’s paper Orthorexia- a new eating disorder? Catalina Zamora describes this disorder as a “pathological obsession for biologically pure food”. The obsession in this disorder stems from the restrictive nature of the person’s relationship with their food. What usually begins as a healthy diet progressively becomes more and more restrictive as additional items are removed from the diet; this deprivation of food items in the diet can have adverse effects on the orthorexic.
Research was conducted at the Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sepienza in 2004; of the 404 subjects in the study, scientists concluded that 7% of them suffered with orthorexia (www.eating-disorder.com). Giving prudence to this research, Ellin (2009) explains that Dr James Greenblatt has seen an estimated 15% increase in this form of behaviour among his young patients.
One of the major complications with Orthorexia is that it is not really considered to be a medical condition and as such does not have criteria for diagnosis. It is often perceived to be another form of anorexia nervosa or possibly a sub-type of obsessive-compulsive disorder; at the very least, some medical practitioners are in agreement that the associated behaviour “explains an important and growing health phenomenon” (www.pamf.org).
What are the causes of Orthorexia?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What are the causes of Orthorexia?
2.1.1. Genetic factors
2.1.2. Stress and family dynamics
2.1.3. Desire to exercise control
3. Signs of Orthorexia Nervosa…
3.1.1. Diagnosis
4. The Dangers of Healthy Eating Habits
5. Orthorexia and:
5.1.1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
5.1.2. Body Dysmorphic Disorder
6. Intervention
6.1.1. When to intervene
6.1.2. How to intervene
6.1.3. It may unravel itself
7. Conclusion
8. Appendices
8.1.1. Appendix A – Atypical or eating disorders not otherwise specified
8.1.2. Appendix B – Orthorexia Self-Test
9. References
Objectives and Topics
This work aims to explore the phenomenon of Orthorexia Nervosa, a condition where the pursuit of healthy eating transitions into a pathological, life-limiting obsession, and investigates its underlying causes, diagnostic challenges, and potential intervention strategies.
- The psychological transition from healthy eating habits to obsessive behavior.
- Potential causal factors, including genetics, family dynamics, and the need for control.
- The relationship between Orthorexia and other disorders like OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
- Practical approaches for recognizing the need for intervention and assisting sufferers.
Excerpt from the Book
Desire to exercise control
Dr Bratman maintains that the eating selections of the orthorexic are not controlled by choice, but rather dictated by fear (Bratman: 2000, 57). The Orthorexic begins to develop an obsession with eating healthily; they are able to focus their attention on their diet, this allows for a type of escapism from the world around them and the environment that demands so much from them. The focus of the orthorexic shifts towards being in a position to ‘control’ the type and amount of food that they consume; when all around them there may be situations and circumstances that they have no control over.
The sense of self-discipline that can develop as a result of controlling the diet can transform into feelings of superiority over those who are unable to display monastic devotion to eating healthily. The orthorexic, as is the case with anorexics, feel extreme pride (almost virtuous) in their ability to restrict their diet and to abstain from ‘bad’ foods. The need to control their intake of food can lead to bouts of punishment and increased restrictions if they ‘fall off the wagon’ so to speak.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides a definition of Orthorexia Nervosa and outlines its origin as a term coined by Dr. Steven Bratman to describe an unhealthy fixation on "pure" food.
2. What are the causes of Orthorexia?: Examines the potential origins of the disorder, focusing on genetic predispositions, the influence of family dynamics, and the psychological need for control.
3. Signs of Orthorexia Nervosa…: Discusses the behavioral indicators of the disorder and the difficulties associated with establishing formal diagnostic criteria.
4. The Dangers of Healthy Eating Habits: Analyzes how various popular diets and nutritional philosophies can act as gateways to obsessive dietary restrictions.
5. Orthorexia and: Explores potential links and overlaps between Orthorexia and conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
6. Intervention: Outlines the ethical and practical considerations for determining when and how to intervene to help an individual suffering from the disorder.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and highlights the status of Orthorexia as a contentious topic within the medical community.
Keywords
Orthorexia Nervosa, healthy eating, obsession, dietary restriction, Dr. Steven Bratman, psychological disorder, eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, malnutrition, intervention, food quality, self-control, mental health, diagnostic criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental subject of this publication?
The publication examines Orthorexia Nervosa, a psychological condition where the commitment to healthy eating becomes an extreme, life-affecting obsession.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The work covers the origins of the disorder, its progression from healthy habits, psychological motivators, clinical parallels, and intervention techniques.
What is the central research question?
The work explores how and why a pursuit of health transitions into a destructive obsession and whether it qualifies as a distinct clinical eating disorder.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author conducts a literature review and thematic analysis, synthesizing existing research and expert opinions from sources like Dr. Steven Bratman.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers potential causes, behavioral signs, the "gateway" nature of certain diets, relationships with other disorders, and intervention strategies.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Orthorexia Nervosa, obsession, dietary restriction, psychological disorder, and intervention.
Does the author believe Orthorexia should be a formal diagnosis?
The author notes the ongoing debate, acknowledging that while it is currently classified under "eating disorders not otherwise specified," proponents argue for its recognition as a unique condition.
What is the role of "Hidden Agendas" in Orthorexia?
Dr. Bratman identifies "Hidden Agendas"—such as a search for safety or control—as foundational psychological drivers for the downward spiral into the disorder.
How is the "Orthorexia Self-Test" intended to be used?
It is presented as a tool for individuals to assess whether their healthy eating habits have become restrictive or obsessive, with scores indicating different levels of concern.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Gary Elliott (Autor:in), 2010, Orthorexia. When healthy eating becomes an obsession, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275078
