What is orthorexia nervosa?

Orthorexia Nervosa is not a diagnosable eating disorder, according to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), nor is it planned to be included in the updated version scheduled for 2013. Researchers are investigating the symptoms described as orthorexia nervosa. Rather than a desire to lose weight, those who suffer from orthorexia nervosa want to feel healthy, natural, and/or pure.

Orthorexia Nervosa is a term that was coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman to describe those who have an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy foods.

There's a concept called orthorexia that describes someone who obsesses and fixates upon eating healthy, pure food. While in some cases this is necessary for very specific and real health reasons -- as in the case of an allergy -- this obsession can take on its own life and drive you (and those around you) a little mad.

Orthorexia is not an officially recognized disorder, but is similar to other eating disorders – those with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa obsess about calories and weight while orthorexics obsess about healthy eating (not necessarily about being ‘thin’ and losing weight).

The obsession generally involves eating organic non-processed foods, omitting foods made from white flour, or sugar, being vegetarian or vegan. An orthorexic’s diet is very limited but not necessary too low in calories.