Orthorexia Treatment
Full recovery from orthorexia is possible with online counselling and psychotherapy. If you’re struggling then the first step is to reach out.
Orthorexia, sometimes referred to as orthorexia nervosa, is a term that has been used to describe a problematic and obsessive preoccupation with eating "healthy", "pure", or “clean” foods.
Individuals with orthorexia are overly concerned with the quality and purity of the food they consume, to the point where it becomes a significant focus in their lives. They may set extremely strict dietary rules and avoid foods that they consider impure or unhealthy, often eliminating entire food groups from their diet.
You may have experienced some of the following characteristics associated with orthorexia:
Obsessive focus on the nutritional content/purity of foods
Elimination of entire food groups such as carbohydrates, fats, or processed foods
Rigid dietary rules
Malnutrition, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and physical ailments
Emotional distress such as anxiety and guilt when unable to adhere to food rules or after consuming something “unhealthy”
Avoiding social situations or events that involve food
You are not alone. Recovery is possible.
Orthorexia can have serious physical, mental, and emotional consequences.
Nutritional Deficiencies due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. This can have wide-ranging effects on various bodily functions.
Physical Health Issues such as weight loss, malnutrition, dizziness, and weakness.
Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Social Isolation due to avoiding social events or situations where they cannot control their food choices.
Anxiety may occur due to the fear of consuming "impure", “unclean”, or "unhealthy" foods.
Progression to more severe eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Relationships may suffer as individuals with orthorexia may have difficulty participating in social activities that involve food, leading to strained relationships with friends and family.
Obsession with Food and Eating interfering with daily life and reducing quality of life.
One of the difficulties with orthorexia is that individuals may be resistant to help and may deny that their behaviors are problematic. This can delay the recognition and intervention needed for recovery, making complications more likely to occur.
If you think you have orthorexia or you are preoccupied with healthy/clean eating, I can help.
Orthorexia can present in many different ways. Specialist treatment for orthorexia needs to look beyond just the symptoms and tailor therapy to the individual’s needs. Online counselling and psychotherapy to treat orthorexia includes:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Logotherapy and Existential Analysis
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Person-centred counselling
There is hope. Full recovery from orthorexia is possible.
I provide online counselling and psychotherapy for orthorexia using a compassionate approach and drawing upon a range of therapies to suit your individual needs.
Recovery is about more than just getting rid of symptoms. It’s about helping you to thrive and live the full, meaningful life the eating disorder has been stealing from you.