Tag: Orthorexia

Disordered eating behaviours, including inflexible eating patterns, are one of the most common risk factors for developing an eating disorder. What is inflexible eating, and where does the fine line between rigid food rules and a genuinely healthy approach to nutrition begin to blur?

According to a study published in *The BMJ*, consuming more ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. This insight drives many to wonder what happens if you only eat clean food, a trend focused on whole, unprocessed ingredients.

According to studies, up to 45% of female and 19% of male athletes struggle with some form of disordered eating or an eating disorder. Understanding the most common eating disorders in athletes is a crucial step toward recognizing the risks and providing life-saving support for those impacted by this silent struggle.

Studies suggest that female athletes are at a significantly higher risk of developing eating disorders than the general population. Among these, Anorexia Nervosa is a critical type of eating disorder that can develop in female athletes, driven by intense pressures to maintain a specific body shape for perceived performance gains or aesthetic ideals.

Studies show that eating whole fruit can actually help with weight management, yet some people find themselves intensely craving fruit in amounts that feel out of control. If you find yourself reaching for fruit constantly, there are physiological and psychological reasons behind this powerful pull.

According to a systematic review published in *BMC Psychiatry*, frequent junk food consumption is significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including higher odds of experiencing depression and stress. While this research highlights the negative effects of a junk food-heavy diet, it prompts a deeper question: is the opposite—complete avoidance—always a good thing?

According to a review published in the *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, rates of orthorexia nervosa vary widely, with some studies finding it in nearly 7% of the general population. This condition goes far beyond a normal interest in nutrition, transforming healthy eating into a relentless and all-consuming obsession with food purity that detrimentally impacts physical and mental health.

While both involve severe dietary restrictions, their underlying psychological drivers are fundamentally different. A person with orthorexia is motivated by a fixation on food 'purity,' whereas an individual with ARFID restricts food due to factors like sensory issues or fear.

While most Americans consume diets high in ultra-processed foods, many people deliberately choose to focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods. This dietary practice, though often referred to by several names, centers on consuming foods in or near their natural state.

According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease. So, are healthy choices actually healthy? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including context, moderation, and individual needs, and sometimes the pursuit of 'perfect' health can be detrimental to overall well-being.