Orthorexia

Scraping the flat back edge of the knife over the top rim of the measuring cup, slowly and precisely, the excess folds and falls into the sink, quickly washed away by waiting running water. Food scales, dieting books, preparation stations, and notepads full of copious notes about macro-nutrients, complete with charts, ratios, and graphs, have overtaken counter space. Eating has become more and more time consuming, portions and variety of "acceptable" foods reduced. Checking the detailed directions in his notebook, rereading the descriptions of what, how, and when to eat, he tries to force himself to focus and concentrate. His kitchen had become a makeshift laboratory, eating anything had become a science. Hours went into planning and preparing, thinking, obsessing, and worrying about food. What to eat, when to eat, how to eat, what each morsel will do inside the body. The phone rings, but he is oblivious. Someone knocks at his door, but he stands silent... stark still by the sink in the kitchen... waiting for whoever was there knocking, waiting, invading his space to give up and go away. No one and nothing would stand in his way of planning and preparing his meals for the day...

Sometimes, disturbances in eating behavior can actually begin in an attempt to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle. "Orthorexia" is a term first used by Dr. Steven Bratman (author of "Health Food Junkies") when describing his own experience with this type of eating disorder. "Ortho" in Greek means straight or correct, and "orexia" refers to appetite, as it does in the term Anorexia. Although there are similarities between Orthorexia and Anorexia Nervosa (seemingly more so than with Bulimia Nervosa, EDNOS, and other forms of eating disorders), there are also fundamental differentiations. People dealing with Orthorexia are not necessarily concerned with weight or appearance at all. They are much less focused on how much they are eating, and are hypervigilant about the quality, content, processing, and preparation of what they eat. Orthorexia begins with the desire to improve or maintain health, whereas Anorexia is associated with the desire and drive to deliberately lose weight. Individuals with Anorexia often consider dangerously low weights an acceptable and welcome achievement. Those with Orthorexia tend to recognize when they are too thin, and signs of deteriorating health warrant more careful concern. Feeing cold all the time, hair falling out, and lightheadedness, for example, may be viewed as a small price to pay for an Anorexic, but for someone with Orthorexia, these things may elicit an appropriate response of fear and concern for one's health and well-being.

Orthorexia, like all types of eating disorders, has many possible causes or contributing factors. For some, growing up in an overly health conscious household, where entire food groups are deemed "bad", "unsafe", "cancer-causing", or off-limits for any other reason, may create an atmosphere of fear, shame, uncertainty and excessive thinking about food and eating. A child that receives a message like "Fat is disgusting; we don't eat fat", "Sugar will give you diabetes; we don't eat sugar", or "This or this causes cancer, we don't eat this or that", is not only likely to wholeheartedly believe and internalize what they are told by the people that love and care for them, but may feel "bad" or separated from other members of the family if/when they do not eat as they have been taught. Self-esteem, a sense of self-worth, and regulating emotions may become tied to how "well" one can adhere to the guidelines about eating and diet they have been given.

No, not every malady is caused by family dynamics, dysfunction, or disturbance! Being raised in an environment that places extreme emphasis, effort, and energy into what is consumed can contribute to excessive concerns, irrational fears, compulsive behavior, and the subsequent development of Orthorexia or another type of eating disorder. However, many people with this condition attempt follow a regime that they believe is "healthiest" or "safest", only to find that attempting to satisfy these criteria becomes more and more difficult, time-consuming, and socially isolating. In many cases, individuals are initially instructed to pay careful attention to their diet for one reason or another. Special dietary needs and restrictions can trigger or offset an eating disorder like Orthorexia.  

Generally, the initial goal is to be as healthy as possible and/or to avoid disease or medical complications associated with different foods, food groups, preparation methods, or additives. Everyday, there is something on the news, in the news, online, in a magazine, a tabloid, a new book, or a new blog, about how you shouldn't eat BLANK (anything that touches microwaved plastic wrap, anything microwaved at all, anything with synthetic sweetener, any sweetener at all, etc) . Because it will give you BLANK (cancer, cellulite, diabetes, etc). I perceive many such messages as scare tactics, propaganda, and irresponsible sensationalism. If the headlines are not shocking, they may not grab your attention... People who dictate the media are aware of that. Research may be misquoted, taken out of context, biased, or have too many confounding variables to be at all conclusive. Not all research is good research. Therefore, not all the information we receive is necessarily accurate or relevant. It is important to further analyze the findings for yourself, rather than blindly accepting what anyone says or writes. Upon deeper exploration and education, you may find that a headline or catch phrase suddenly seems misleading or is a misrepresentation of actual facts. It is easy to assume that the word "research" implies a level of validity. But studies may sometimes be biased to prove the point or support the interests of those funding the research, they may include only a handful of individuals from which general conclusions about all of society are drawn, or they may be poorly designed or implemented, thus rendering them erroneous. So the next time you read about some new diet or concern, I urge you to educate yourself about it and draw your own conclusions.         

Orthorexia, the term to describe this condition, was first used by Dr. Bratman in 1997. It took almost a decade to become a more recognized eating disorder, although there is still controversy surrounding categorizing it as a separate disorder. Some believe that it is a form of, or is more akin to, obsessive-compulsive disorder. Though it gives way to obsessive thinking patterns and behaviors, to label it as such ignores the eating disorders aspect. And though Orthorexia shares commonalities with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, such as relentless thinking about food, it differs greatly.

Orthorexia focuses on eating the "right" foods, in an effort to feel pure, safe, and/or healthy. Instead of thinking about calories and how consumption will affect weight, size, shape, etc., those with Orthorexia control and regiment their eating in an effort to become healthier. But like other eating disorders, eventually, it tightens its hold, spreading into different areas of life like ink seeping outward into carpet fibers. So much attention and weight (no pun intended) is placed on this righteous eating behavior that, similar to other eating disorders, it becomes part (or most) of an individual's personal identity. This can create discord or distance with others who do not agree with or adhere to the same practices. It can make eating at a restaurant or picnic impossible, can take priority over relationships and other pursuits, and can wreak havoc on one's body. It is important to remember that eating disorders take on all forms, and are characterized as "disorders" when food, eating, exercise, health, body image, etc. detract from, impede, or diminish other aspects of life. Or threaten life itself...

The staff at Rader Programs can help you learn to eat a balanced, healthy diet that you can feel comfortable with. We recognize that many people have dietary restrictions, allergies, preferences, and concerns. Our nutritionists are knowledgeable about these issues and will work with you to find a way to meet your needs. Rader Programs accommodate and are sensitive to those with Diabetes, Kosher Diets, Allergies to Gluten's, etc, Vegan & Vegetarian needs, High Blood Pressure & cholesterol issues, for example. Eating is about choices, options, enjoyment, and giving your body the energy it needs to continue functioning properly. There are no cookie-cutter, set-in-stone, one-for-all meal plans that cannot be adapted to fit your lifestyle, medical issues, and personal taste. We will work with you to help you find a well-balanced diet that will meet your specific needs.