Orthorexia is healthy eating gone too far
A new wave of eating disorder called orthorexia nervosa is becoming quite a common problem in young adults. Unlike anorexia, those suffering from it believe they are having a healthy diet. Celebrity fad diets on the Internet are adding to the problem. But this can start not with body image, or weight problems, but with simple things like allergies.
The problem is also found in bodybuilders, they often have such a strict diet before competing that they become obsessed with certain foods. Unfortunately, restrictions on certain food groups cause serious deficiencies in the body. And on occasions after bodybuilding competitions, a lot of binge eating goes on, then purging because they feel unclean. One bodybuilder ended up arguing with a therapist over whether lettuce was a carbohydrate or not.
Unhealthy obsession
According to the National eating disorders association, it is an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Something as simple as becoming a vegetarian, a vegan, also going gluten-free can be the start of the problem. Gluten-free products have increased in sales by 63% in three years, despite coeliac disease affecting only 1% of the population. There is some suspicion that disturbance of the gut flora can produce gluten intolerance. In our food-obsessed culture, healthy eating has become a bigger problem than just dieting.
Being obsessed with organic food, gluten-free, or lactose intolerance is a convenient way to hide a fear of eating high-calorie food according to Dr Angela Guarda. Although many manage to get away with it for years. When it causes anaemia or stops menstruation does it become a real problem? Yes!
Linked to high anxiety
Increase in anxiety, guilt, self-loathing and other negative emotions stop us from having the control that allows us to eat a healthy diet without obsession. People can have a little of what they fancy. The portions are carefully monitored in our weight loss program, nothing is excluded.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy can help by learning to gain control over the anxiety of eating other foods. Nutritional therapy can help an individual learn to have a wider balanced diet.
Signs to look out for
The person may start to become obsessed with healthy or supposedly healthy diet, such as vegetarian or vegan diet. They may stop eating around others. Their moods are low and they may insist on buying and preparing their own food. If out and about they will probably make excuses not to eat around others. They lose weight and find exercise difficult and they are prone to illness.
If you or someone in your family believe they are suffering from orthorexia and you wish to do something about it – then call or text “orthorexia” to 07508 658934, or contact me
Also see Fussy eaters
Also see: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/orthorexia
Penny Ling is a widely experienced hypnotherapist who has worked with everyone from top executives to stroke victims since 2007. She has been editor of Hypnotherapy Today Magazine and is a supervisor and mentor for members of the AfSFH and NCH.
Read Penny’s inspiring story “How I beat all my phobias”, or find out more how hypnotherapy could help your problem by downloading “How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help with life”. Feel free to send Penny a message here.
