Orthorexia nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by an extreme avoidance of foods perceived to be unhealthy. In short it is healthy food addiction. The Latin expression consists of words of “ortho” or “orexis”.  The main feature of this disorder is to refine and restrict diets according to individuals’ understanding of which foods are really healthy. For them it is not the quantity of foods and meals are important but their quality. Their aim is to maintain their health even if their methods are pathological.

These patients have an exaggerated concern with healthy eating patters. They spend lots of time choosing and preparing healthy ingredients. If their ritual is disturbed they feel guilt. They find themselves being able to take part in everyday activities and often isolate themselves. They compensate these frustrations with rituals and love of making meals (Dudás K, Túry F. 2008). Up to this time it has not been clarified if orthorexia nervosa belongs to the category of eating disorders or to compulsive behaviours (Túry and et al, 2010). They are committed to healthy eating and it is an extreme limitation and obsession of food selection (Túry and et al, 2010). Sufferers will become underfed and suffer from serious vitamin deficiency which does not mean slim body. On the contrary due to the upset metabolism patients start gaining weight (Forgács, 2004).