EATING DISORDERS: THE RISE OF ORTHOREXIA
In today’s health-conscious society, the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle has become a priority for many individuals. However, as with any trend, there can be a dark side. One such consequence is the rise of orthorexia, an eating disorder characterized by an excessive fixation on eating “clean” and following rigid dietary rules.
Orthorexia is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Nevertheless, therapists have reported an increase in patients exhibiting signs of this disorder. Individuals with orthorexia often develop an obsession with eating in a way they consider healthy, leading to anxiety, isolation, and a negative impact on their overall well-being.
The strict rules imposed by orthorexia can be isolating, causing individuals to withdraw from social events and relationships. The constant preoccupation with food choices can also be mentally and emotionally draining, leaving little room for pursuing other passions or enjoying a balanced life. Additionally, orthorexia puts individuals at risk of developing other eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
