Eating disorders are an all-too common challenge here on Long Island. Many people have developed a poor relationship with food that causes them to restrict calories, experience binge/purge cycles, and more, typically related to the way they see their visible body weight and food.
Yet eating disorders, at least the way we think about them, are also changing. Now, people are experiencing issues that are not technically eating disorders, but are a form of disordered eating, and can also be harmful for a person’s health and their life.
An example of this is orthorexia. Orthorexia is a term that refers to an obsession with “clean,” “healthy,” or “pure” eating. It is not technically an eating disorder (although there are those arguing in favor of its inclusion) but the idea is that a person is so obsessed with making sure what they put in their body is “healthy” as they deem it that it consumes their time, their decision making, and their dietary choices. Individuals with orthorexia tend to develop rigid food rules and experience significant distress or guilt when those rules are broken.
Unlike some other eating disorders that may focus on weight or appearance, orthorexia is often motivated by a desire for health, longevity, or self-control. Over time, this pursuit of health becomes unhealthy in itself, leading to nutritional imbalances, anxiety, and social isolation.
Defining Features of Orthorexia
Although there is no official diagnostic criteria, orthorexia is often characterized by behaviors and beliefs such as:
- Elimination of entire food groups due to perceived health risks
- Preoccupation with food sourcing, such as organic, local, or non-GMO status
- Strict meal planning and avoidance of food prepared by others
- Feelings of moral superiority based on food choices
- Shame, guilt, or anxiety after deviating from dietary rules
- Obsession with learning more about food, and quickly deeming foods “unhealthy” based on minimal evidence.
This condition can escalate over time, affecting physical health, disrupting relationships, and contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In some cases, individuals with orthorexia may require clinical intervention from dietitians, therapists, or eating disorder specialists.
Nutritionists and therapists both emphasize that there is no real such thing as “healthy” or “unhealthy” food. Some foods may be more nutritionally rich than others, but all foods can be consumed in some amount. But those with orthorexia often believe that some foods are inherently much more unhealthy than others, and alter their entire diet – and their life to avoid those foods. For example, they may decide gluten is “bad” based on an article they read, despite not having any gluten sensitivity, and immediately stop eating all gluten.
Since gluten is often found in foods that have strong nutritional profiles, the result is that they may not be getting food or nutrients that they otherwise need.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Orthorexic Behaviors
Social media platforms, especially those with visual formats like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, play a significant role in reinforcing orthorexic tendencies. These platforms often reward content that aligns with idealized views of health, promoting food trends that lack nuance or medical validation.
Several patterns have emerged that connect social media exposure to orthorexic thinking:
- Promotion of restrictive or extreme diets under the label of “wellness”
- Emphasis on appearance-based health metrics, such as glowing skin or lean physiques
- Repetition of unverified claims about food ingredients or preparation methods
- Algorithmic reinforcement of content that mirrors user engagement with health-related posts
- Influencers and fitness professionals who equate morality or self-worth with dietary discipline
For individuals already vulnerable to anxiety, perfectionism, or body image issues, this content can further reinforce the belief that their value is tied to their eating habits. Over time, this can make food-related behaviors increasingly rigid and difficult to change.
Addressing Orthorexia in a Digital Age
The normalization of restrictive eating under the guise of health can make orthorexia difficult to identify – especially when those behaviors are socially reinforced or praised online. Yet, just because a food trend is popular does not mean it is nutritionally or psychologically safe. Recognizing when health goals become compulsive is an important first step.
Support for orthorexia often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Nutrition education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and digital media literacy can all play a role in helping individuals reestablish a balanced relationship with food. Reducing exposure to triggering content and diversifying the types of voices followed on social media can also help reshape attitudes toward health and eating.
It is especially helpful to see a therapist. Together, we can work on improving your relationship with food, taking care of yourself online and offline, and making sure you have the skills needed to better understand yourself and your environment. Please call me today to learn more.
