When Healthy Eating Becomes Harmful:

Warning: This article discusses disordered eating, including Orthorexia. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Butterfly Foundation at 1800 334 673. 

Have you ever found yourself striving for perfect eating habits, only to realise that this focus has started to take over your life? Orthorexia is an obsessive focus on healthy eating, where the aim of nourishing your body is overtaken by rigid restrictions that damage both physical and mental well-being. While eating well is important, orthorexia pushes this healthy behaviour to unhealthy extremes. Let’s explore what orthorexia is, how it develops, and how to regain balance between healthy eating and mental health. 

What is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia is a lesser-known form of disordered eating that’s marked by an extreme fixation on food purity. Those struggling with orthorexia don’t always conform to traits associated with more recognised eating disorders, like calorie counting or binging. People with orthorexia develop strict rules about what is considered “clean” or “healthy” food, which often leads to cutting out entire food groups. Over time, meals become anxiety-inducing events, and social situations involving food are often avoided, leaving individuals isolated. 

Camron, a member of the Mental Health Movement, shared their experience:

“It started because I wanted to improve myself and eat healthy. But over time it turned into rigid restriction, and my friends were congratulating me on my dedication and self-discipline. To others, I was ‘fitness goals,’ but in reality, I was barely surviving on walnuts and green juices.”

Orthorexia, like other eating disorders, can disrupt daily life and lead to harmful physical consequences, such as nutritional deficiencies, which take a toll on both body and mind. 

The Role of Diet Culture in Orthorexia:

Diet culture often lays the groundwork for orthorexia to develop. In today’s society, food is often moralised as “good” or “bad,” with people striving for the ultimate goal of “clean eating.” Social media platforms and influencers frequently promote restrictive eating as an ideal. Images of perfectly curated meals, fitness routines, and “clean” lifestyles often reinforce the idea that the stricter your diet, the better you are as a person. 

For someone predisposed to anxiety or control issues, diet culture can provide a socially accepted outlet for perfectionism. The societal praise for discipline and self-control can turn a health-conscious lifestyle into an obsession, and this obsession can turn into Orthorexia. 

The Mental and Physical Impact of Orthorexia:

Mental Impact: 

The relentless preoccupation with food that comes with orthorexia often leads to intense anxiety, stress, and an overwhelming sense of guilt when ‘food rules’ are broken. Individuals often feel extreme guilt and shame for deviating from their rigid food rules, which can lead to social withdrawal and even depression. 

Physical Impact: 

The elimination of food groups can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies. Over time, this can weaken the body and result in health issues like fatigue, malnutrition, and digestive problems. Long-term orthorexia can also affect hormonal balance and the immune system. 

How to Recognise and Support Someone with an Eating Disorder:

Recognising Signs: 

It’s important to be able to recognise the signs of orthorexia in both yourself and others. If you or someone close to you feels anxious or stressed about food choices, frequently avoids social events involving meals, or follows increasingly restrictive diets, it may be time to take action. Look for signs of guilt or shame when “breaking” food rules, and observe if the person is cutting out entire food groups unnecessarily. 

It can be especially difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with disordered eating, and it’s not always easy to know when it’s time to speak up. You might feel conflicted—on one hand, you don’t want to intrude or make the person feel judged, but on the other, their habits may be causing visible harm to their health or happiness. It’s important to trust your instincts and approach the conversation with compassion, remembering that early intervention can make a significant difference. If you find yourself worrying frequently about a loved one’s food habits or noticing behavioural changes, it may be time to have a gentle, non-confrontational conversation about your concerns.  

Supporting a Loved One: 

Approach the topic with compassion and understanding. Rather than commenting on their appearance or diet directly, express concern for their well-being. You might say, “I’ve noticed that you seem stressed around food lately. I’m worried, and I want to support you. Is there anything you’d like to talk about?” 

It can be incredibly difficult to watch someone you care about suffer from disordered eating, and the fear of making a mistake or causing them to feel guilty or like a burden can be overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse. These feelings of stress and uncertainty are common when supporting someone with an eating disorder, but it’s important to remember that your concern comes from a place of love. Acknowledging their struggle without judgment and offering a listening ear can make all the difference. Even if the conversation feels difficult, showing your loved one that you’re there for them—without putting pressure on them to change immediately—can help create a safe space for them to open up when they’re ready. 

Encouraging professional help, such as consulting a therapist experienced in eating disorders or a registered dietitian, is crucial in guiding someone toward recovery. Be patient—eating disorders take time to heal, and your ongoing support will make a world of difference. 

Treating and Managing Orthorexia:

“It was hard to admit to myself that I had a problem because it was a source of pride for me. It had become a part of my identity. I felt like an idiot for falling so deep into it.” – Camron, Mental Health Movement 

Treating orthorexia involves acknowledging the issue, which can be a challenge because restrictive eating is often seen as virtuous. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one effective method for helping individuals break free from their rigid food rules and reframe their relationship with eating. Working with a nutritionist can also restore balance to their diet and ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. 

Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting a Loved One:

Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally exhausting and overwhelming at times, and it’s essential to remember that your well-being matters too. It’s natural to want to give your all to help your loved one, but doing so without caring for yourself can lead to burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue. Set boundaries to protect your mental health—this doesn’t mean you care less, but it ensures you have the energy to continue offering support in the long run. Take time to engage in activities that replenish you, whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, practising mindfulness, or seeking guidance from a professional counsellor or support group for carers. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide the compassionate support your loved one needs. 

Conclusion: Finding Balance Between Health and Obsession

Orthorexia, which can be fueled by diet culture and societal pressures, transforms the pursuit of health into an unhealthy obsession that can damage both mind and body. It’s crucial to understand the fine line between eating well and letting food control your life. True healthy eating allows room for enjoyment, spontaneity, and balance. 

Take a moment to reflect—are your food habits enhancing your well-being, or are they starting to take over your life? Your path to a healthier relationship with food is worth pursuing with care and compassion. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with orthorexia, seeking professional help can guide you toward a healthier and more balanced relationship with food. 

Do you have a story to share about your journey with orthorexia or eating disorders? Reach out to us—your experience can help reduce the stigma and raise awareness. 

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Further Reading:  

Learn more about Orthorexia: https://eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders-a-z/orthorexia/#:~:text=Orthorexia%20is%20a%20term%20that,food%20to%20an%20excessive%20degree.  

Read a personal story of Orthorexia:  

https://junctionjournalism.com/2022/06/21/societys-perfect-eating-disorder/  

Find Support: https://butterfly.org.au/