Orthorexia is an unhealthy fixation on “clean” or “pure” eating that can lead to anxiety, guilt, and nutritional deficiency. Support can restore flexibility.

⭐ Orthorexia — Understanding the Condition

Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with “pure” or “clean” eating. It is not officially recognised as a clinical diagnosis, but it can cause serious distress and disrupt daily life.

Orthorexia involves using food to cope with emotions or exert control, rather than for nutrition. It can lead to cutting out essential food groups, malnutrition, and intense anxiety or guilt around eating.

⭐ What Orthorexia Can Look Like

Behavioural signs

- Restricting or eliminating foods deemed “impure”
- Obsessive focus on nutrition, food quality, or preparation
- Difficulty eating socially or with others
- Constant planning or thinking about food

Emotional signs

- Anxiety, guilt, or distress over “unhealthy” foods
- Emotional wellbeing tied to eating habits
- Low mood or depression
- Difficulty relaxing around meals

Physical signs

- Weight loss or low energy
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Fatigue or weakness
- Slow recovery from illness

Even if someone appears healthy, orthorexia can affect mental, emotional, and physical health.

⭐ Why Orthorexia Happens

Orthorexia often develops from:
- A desire for control or safety
- Anxiety or perfectionism
- Coping with stress, trauma, or mental health challenges

⭐ The Impact of Orthorexia

Orthorexia can impact:

- Social interactions and relationships
- Daily functioning and work
- Nutritional health
- Emotional wellbeing

Recovery is possible with the right support and guidance.

⭐ What Recovery Can Look Like

Recovery involves:

- Rebuilding a balanced relationship with food
- Reducing anxiety and guilt around eating
- Restoring flexibility and enjoyment with meals
- Improving emotional and physical wellbeing

⭐ How Orthorexia Recovery Coaching Helps

Orthorexia recovery coaching provides:

- Ongoing text support between sessions
- Guidance on reintegrating fear foods and food flexibility
- Emotional support and coping strategies
- Behavioural techniques to reduce anxiety around meals
- Support for social eating and lifestyle balance
- A safe, non-judgmental environment to practise change

⭐ You Deserve Support

Even without an official diagnosis, orthorexia can be distressing and serious. You are worthy of guidance, recovery, and peace with food.