They say that when one becomes obsessed with certain behaviour, emotion, or idea, such obsession can be considered a disorder. This can be true even when it comes to the desire to eat healthy. In this new-age lifestyle, there is what we call mindful eating.  But when this need interferes with the ability to eat normally, in the company of others, or causes anxiety, it takes on a pathological character called orthorexia nervosa. A physician has coined the term and classified it as a disorder in 1997.

The term orthorexia comes from the Greek word orthos (proper) and orexia (appetite) or "fixation for righteous eating." While some experts think that othorexia is an obsessive compulsive disorder centered around food, it is distinct from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is characterised by excessive attention to food quality.

Orthorexics believe that certain foods are impure, and obsessively avoid foods which may contain artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, pesticide residues, herbicides, genetically modified ingredients, unhealthy fats, foods containing too much salt or too much sugar, and other components. The way of preparation, kitchenware, and other tools used are also part of the obsessive ritual. The more restrictive and complicated the diet, the more an orthorexic is attracted to it.

If this type of people consume foods which conflict with their belief, they get anxious or depressed. Gradually, their diet compulsions become so overriding that they may not eat food prepared by their parents, relatives or friends, even if they are starving. Usually, they move away from friends and relatives who do not share their dietary habits and gravitate towards people who share their philosophies about food laced with a sense of superiority or morality
Scientists believe that there could be a strong genetic pre-disposition to this behavior. An orthorexic type of personality usually is a perfectionist, anxious, very careful, probably a tidy person with an exaggerated need for self-care and protection. They have a need for control, and their diet may have a calming effect. Both genders are affected. Adolescent males, sportsmen, athletes, and body builders are at higher risk. Boys as young as eight or nine years old can also be affected.

While orthorexics, anorexics, and bulimics are preoccupied with food, the difference between othorexia and other disorders is that anorexics and bulimics obsess over the quantity of food they take in, whereas orthorexics obsess over quality. Orthorexics are driven by the goal of a perfect diet, while anorexics and bulimics are motivated by weight loss. Orthorexics are obsessed with health; while anorexics are in denial that there is something unhealthy going on.

Treatment of orthorexia, like other disorders, requires a multidisciplinary team involving physicians, psychotherapists, and nutritionists. While this condition is hardly known to be fatal, it can lead to malnutrition, ill-health, loss of social relationships, and general dissatisfaction. Some cases of starvation-induced heart failure have been reported.

Orthorexia is a new term, and more research is needed to understand it better. Though the jury is still out as to whether orthorexia is a disorder in itself or a part of eating disorders, health professionals including nutritionists must recognise this obsessive eating behavior and appropriately treat such individuals, including referring them to mental health professionals and physicians.

Well, if it will be your new year’s resolution to change your eating patterns/habits for the good, just make sure you don’t over do it.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year for 2010.