What is orthorexia?

Orthorexia is an eating disorder that manifests through an obsession to eat healthy food. People who suffer from this condition manifest a fixation with eating healthy food. The obsession is so deep that it often harms their health. Mental health professionals categorize orthorexia as a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with this condition restrict their intake of certain types of food. This increases the risk of malnutrition.

Orthorexia is not included in the DSM-5, but many mental health professionals treat it as an eating disorder that can cause poor physical and mental health. Orthorexia can also cause protein deficiency disorders that can harm vital organs such as the kidneys. Orthorexia has grown in recent years due to the emergence of healthism movements led by celebrities and popular bloggers. Some of the people suffering from this condition judge others based on the food they eat. They may try to isolate themselves from people who do not subscribe to their beliefs.


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