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(Diet) Culture & Society

Understanding EDs

News & Research

Treatment & Recovery

Body Image

Food & Fitness

For a large portion of her illness, Equip Peer Mentor Stacy Jones blamed herself for her eating disorder. “I spent several years thinking I just had a problem with willpower,” Jones says. “I read so many books about developing willpower and became more and more discouraged—I figured I must've been the problem.”

Jones describes a feeling many people with eating disorders are familiar with—particularly those who struggle with 

 Despite the fact that BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, it’s arguably one of most misunderstood and stigmatized. There's often a misrepresentation of binge eating disorder facts. 

The uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food (bingeing) characteristic of BED is often considered a personal failure in our 

-entrenched society, though we know it’s almost always a biological response to food deprivation. And because BED is more common among people in larger bodies, those with the disorder may feel even more exposed and vulnerable to 

People with BED might be used to hearing that binges — a symptom of their eating disorder — are the result of a lack of willpower. Not only is BED 

 an issue of willpower, but it’s a complex neurobiological mental illness, just like all eating disorders. The physiological, psychological, and emotional components of the disease are powerful and can’t be overlooked. Here’s what everyone should know about binge eating disorder facts.

Binge eating disorder facts: Why BED has nothing to do with willpower

: the most common eating disorder in the U.S., affecting about 2.8 million people; an illness that, unlike other EDs, affects males and females fairly equally; a 

 influenced by myriad genetic and environmental factors. Here’s what BED is 

: the manifestation of any sort of personal shortcoming.

“Let's remember that eating disorders provide a ‘false sense of control’ over our lives, starting with what we choose to eat or how our body looks,” Equip Dietician Gabriela Cohen says. “That ‘high’ or feeling of ‘pride’ from restricting gives a false sense of success. Ultimately, you are failing to actually take care of your body. Depriving the body of nourishment often leads to binge eating behaviors which are simply the response to that restriction.”

Cohen is describing one of many potential root causes at the heart of 

eating disorders: restriction. While food deprivation is considered one of the hallmark symptoms of anorexia, restriction is also a significant component of binge eating disorder because of something known as the “

, most binges are preceded by a period of restriction, because the physical hunger and mental exhaustion of food deprivation is unsustainable. In BED, the never-ending list of food “rules” and attempts to “be good” (i.e. restrict) result in inevitable “slip-ups” (i.e. binges), leading to a frustrating and potentially dangerous cycle of restricting, bingeing, feeling shame, and restricting again.

“That idea that binges are due to a lack of willpower can cause feelings of guilt, defeat, and anxiety, which in turn trigger even 

 binge eating disorder behaviors and the continuation of the binge-restriction cycle” Cohen says.

Jones agrees that any form of restriction can contribute to the difficulties of BED. “Oftentimes people address physical restriction but not 

 restriction,” she says. “Labeling food as ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ avoiding ‘unhealthy’ foods, and other forms of mental restriction are also likely to increase binge urges.”

Equip Therapy Lead Brittney Lauro also says the willpower mindset goes against our primal human need for nourishment. “In truth, our brains haven’t evolved all that much,” she says. “So when we apply the willpower mindset to something like cutting out sugar or carbs, it activates the deprivation fear in our brain. We were designed to operate this way because it’s what helped us survive: we would increase our intake of food when resources were available so we could survive when resources weren’t, like in a harsh winter. Even when we can intellectually understand that food is available, this primal fear of deprivation gets activated, leading us to binge eat, or feel out of control with our eating.”

It’s also possible for BED to serve as a form of emotion regulation. “For some, it might be a form of grounding, for others it might serve as a way to check-out or desensitize ourselves when painful memories or experiences are prompted,” Lauro says. “For those who are neurodiverse, binge eating might be associated with ‘stimming,’ or self-regulating.”

“Diet culture loves to moralize foods, thoughts, and behaviors, such as how restricting ‘bad foods’ should be viewed as a sign of strength that one should be proud of,” says Equip Dietician Gabriela Cohen. “When you restrict your diet, the body craves an influx of food. Giving in to this natural response through overeating or binge eating, is then is looked at as ‘failure’ in the eyes of diet culture.’”

Because this diet culture mentality is woven in the fabric of our modern society, it plays an undeniable role in the shame spiral. “We live in a society where we are conditioned to believe that if we just work harder we can do anything, like losing weight,” says Lauro. “The reality is that life isn’t that simple. The myths around willpower generate billions of dollars in revenue to the diet industry.” When willpower is marketed as the solution to everything, those with BED can be consumed with shame that their eating disorder behaviors are the result of their own lack of discipline.

Lauro adds, “In nearly all instances where I have professionally treated BED, as well as when I worked in the fitness industry, I have seen folks come in with the idea that their willpower will change it all,” she says. “I can see so clearly how this idea is normalized. We see it in the media, written on the walls of workout centers, and we hear it from healthcare professionals, colleagues, friends, and family.”

How to overcome the “willpower” mindset and actually heal BED

Considering the diet culture we’re all immersed in, separating from this mindset might be difficult — but it’s possible. Accepting and understanding the need for self-compassion and actionable steps toward treatment will help ensure long-lasting recovery from any eating disorder.

“The good news is, nearly all effective strategies for coping with and treating binge eating don’t require or involve willpower,” Lauro says. “Moreover, they don’t involve removing certain food groups from your life or home—in fact, this is often a surefire way to increase the probability of binge eating in the future.”

Because the restrictive behaviors at the root of BED inevitably perpetuate the cycle of 

, experts say establishing or re-establishing consistent patterns around food is critical to recovery. “First and foremost, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a regular pattern of eating,” Lauro says. “What that means is three meals and two to three snacks eaten at regular intervals of time throughout the day, making sure to never go more than three to four hours without an instance of eating.”

While the contents of those meals and snacks may differ from person to person, the goal is to adequately satiate the body and brain to prevent the fear of deprivation. “For some people, having consistent eating instances as well as dietary variety will resolve or quiet down the binge eating,” Lauro says.

Cohen agrees that the primary treatment strategy for BED must focus on building regular eating patterns with the support of a team. “Yes, you actually need to eat to overcome BED,” she says. “With the support of a team, you’ll also be challenged to break your food rules and restrictions, and eat your fear foods consistently, because if restriction persists, the binge-restrict cycle will continue.”

Working with a team using enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy

Another effective strategy experts used to treat BED in an evidence-based modality called 

 or CBT-E. This modality is a multi-stage, highly individualized approach that includes monitoring and noting thoughts, which is vastly different from a typical food log or what you might see in a fitness app says Lauro. Monitoring is designed to be completed in the moment, which in and of itself serves as a way to slow down, or disrupt, the process of binge eating. Oftentimes, folks describe feeling like they get into a ‘spiral’ during binge episodes that leads to feeling out of control. By utilizing an evidenced-based tool like a monitoring record, you can intervene with the spiral and create an ‘in the moment’ pause.”

Establishing distress tolerance techniques

While binges can often occur as a result of longtime restriction, there are other potential psychological and emotional factors at play that people should be aware of as they move toward recovery. “Many people end up binge eating as a way to avoid emotions—and this can even serve as a survival technique, like in cases of trauma,” Lauro says. “Healing from binge eating involves learning to sit with discomfort and tolerate distress. You can certainly practice this on your own if you feel it’s accessible and safe, but if you’d like more support, or binging is tied to more intense experiences, I highly recommend working with an eating disorder specialist to assist creating a strategic guide to building up distress tolerance.”

Jones says it’s imperative to explore the emotions that arise in the moments leading up to, during, and after a binge from a place of curiosity to help better understand the causes behind it. To truly work through the challenges of the illness, confronting and navigating the unpleasant feelings underlying the disorder is paramount. “One of the foundations for recovering from BED is working through shame and learning binge eating disorder facts,” she says. “If you experience shame, know that society has placed it on you and it’s not yours to carry. When we relate to binges from a place of compassion it holds less power. This creates space for healing and moving beyond BED.”

If you or someone you love might be struggling with binge eating disorder, know that there’s support available. 

 with our team to learn more about virtual eating disorder treatment at Equip.

Bray, Brenna, Chris Bray, et al. “Mental Health Aspects of Binge Eating Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts’ Perspectives.” Frontiers in Psychiatry 13 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.953203.

CBT-E. Accessed October 24, 2023. https://www.cbte.co/.

Binge Eating Disorder Isn’t About Willpower. Here’s What It Is About.

Throughout my years of eating disorder recovery, the holiday season always proved to be a particularly tough time, but the start of a new year was arguably the most anxiety-provoking element. The pressure to set and commit to one or more resolutions 

 created an internal sense of distress as I felt stuck between hard-wired 

 and the desire for a healthier future. When you’ve grown up with a steady stream of magazine subscriptions encouraging detox diets on their January covers, it can be difficult to disentangle the “new year, new me!” mentality from restriction and self-punishment.

It took a lot of time, effort, and nonlinear progress to arrive at a place in my life where the impending new year and thought of making resolutions doesn’t actively trigger my eating disorder or tempt me toward a relapse. The truth is, resolutions aren’t for everyone, and in fact, buying into the annual tradition of total transformation can 

set the stage for unhealthy, image-based objectives

 that ultimately fail and reinforce negative self-image.

, there is nothing inherently body-based about resolutions; the reason so many of us conflate the idea of resolutions with weight loss and body image is because 

 has co-opted the tradition through an endless supply of weight loss programs, supplements, and other products. If you choose to make a New Year’s resolution, you can absolutely opt for one that rejects diet culture, supports your recovery, and helps encourage your growth as a happier, healthier person—here are some ideas for reframing the New Year’s narrative.

1. Be specific while giving yourself grace

 (i.e. objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) are a good way to stay on track when it comes to long-term success. That means that rather than settling on a vague resolution, such as, “I will commit to recovery,” it may be more helpful to define what “recovery” ideally looks like for you. Some people find it helpful to work with loved ones or support members to jot down actionable items, like meal plans and/or exercise guidelines so there’s no second-guessing whether food or exercise-related goals will help or hurt recovery.

But while specificity can be helpful, attainability is another important part of the SMART goal-setting system. That means it’s essential to set goals that are realistic and achievable, given your time, resources, and more. Setting strict rules for yourself likely won’t make recovery easier or more comfortable and may contribute to feelings of disappointment or failure when you can’t be “perfect.” Consider working with your recovery team and/or friends and family to create a few clear, action-oriented resolutions that will help you stay committed without adding stress to your life.

2. Re-think about your relationship with social media

There are a lot of potential positives when it comes to social media and recovery, including support groups, online forums, and body positivity accounts. But there are plenty of undeniably toxic and triggering aspects of social media as well, as evidenced by the 

 between social media usage and symptoms of depression and/or low-self-esteem. 

 that young women who engaged with an attractive peer on social media experienced increased negative body image while 

 indicated that individuals who limited their social media use to 30 minutes per day reported significantly reduced depression and loneliness over a three-week period. It’s difficult for anyone to engage with social media without falling into “

” territory, but those in recovery should be especially mindful of how certain posts, groups, and creators can affect their well-being. For some people, unfollowing certain accounts and/or setting a timer for scrolling can help curtail unhelpful comparison that may jeopardize recovery.

3. Focus on resolutions rooted in feelings

Because so many of us are taught to base New Year’s goals on appearance-related metrics (like the number on the scale or a clothing size), it may be difficult to reconnect with how we 

 rather than how we think we look or are perceived by others. When you consciously move away from physical or weight-related resolutions, you have the opportunity to think of goals that will enhance your life and have nothing to do with food or exercise. This can be a great time to get curious about your passions or to re-discover the emotionally fulfilling activities, hobbies, and experiences you loved before your eating disorder. For some people, setting resolutions around reading, mindfulness, or spending more time with friends can help pull the attention away from the ingrained thoughts and behaviors of an eating disorder and refocus their energy on positive, enriching habits.

While the start of a new year can be an intimidating time, there are strategies and tactics to take the pressure off setting resolutions and to actually find ways to strengthen your recovery. The most important thing is to connect with goals that speak to 

 and align with your values and hopes for the future. Remember how far you’ve already come and how bright your future can possibly be.

“Compare and Despair | Psychology Today.” n.d. Www.psychologytoday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-novel-perspective/201310/compare-and-despair.

Hogue, Jacqueline V., and Jennifer S. Mills. 2019. “The Effects of Active Social Media Engagement with Peers on Body Image in Young Women.” Body Image 28 (1): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.11.002.

Hunt, Melissa G., Rachel Marx, et al. 2018. “No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 37 (10): 751–68. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751.

Pantic, Igor. 2014. “Online Social Networking and Mental Health.” Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 17 (10): 652–57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183915/.

SAMHSA. 2019. “Setting Goals and Developing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound Objectives.” SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/nc-smart-goals-fact-sheet.pdf.

Reclaiming New Year's Resolutions from Diet Culture

, established family norms like discussing diet and weight can impact their recovery in harmful ways. During the holiday season, these often innocent but triggering behaviors may intensify, especially during family gatherings where food plays a central role as a medium through which loved ones bond and connect.

As you plan for this year’s holiday festivities, it’s helpful to anticipate and plan for potential landmines. While it may feel initially awkward to ask your family for behavior change, remember the heart of the matter: your child’s health.

Start by thinking through what commentary you have heard from your family during family gatherings in the past that were potentially harmful and emotionally taxing. Then, make a plan to reach out to loved ones with a tone that is light, bright, and polite. Keep your request specific, short, and sweet, and avoid blaming the person for their beliefs or behaviors. Of course, some people may feel offended no matter how carefully you craft your request, but that doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.

Here are the four most common issues parents who have 

 should consider addressing with their families in advance of holiday gatherings, along with suggestions for conversation starters that are compassionate and effective.

It’s very common in our society to greet people with body-based greetings like “you look great,” “have you gained weight?” and “you’re so thin!” While often seemingly positive, all of these remarks harmfully suggest appearance is a person’s most important asset.

Eating disorders are highly responsive to social cues about weight and appearance, making it a powerful shift to limit body-based greetings and replace them with greetings that focus on the person’s personality or character.

If there are family members who you know will comment on your child’s body, reach out in advance to gently let them know why such comments can be harmful. Try saying something like: “I know how much you love Alex and want her to be happy and healthy. So I’d like to ask if you can avoid talking about her weight and appearance when we see you on Saturday. I’ve been working on this myself, and now instead of talking about how people look I just say things like ‘it’s good to see you.’ It’s a small change but it will really mean a lot to us. Would you consider it?”

In many families, there is at least one person who is extremely interested in what other people are eating. For example, you may have a dad who frequently says things like “Wow! You gonna eat all that?!” And while he says this in a joking tone and a twinkle in his eye, it’s inappropriate. Your child who has an eating disorder (and everyone else!) would do much better if your dad could keep these types of comments to himself.

To help keep everyone’s eyes on their own plate, let your loved ones know that these types of comments can be harmful – whether they are about eating “too much” or “too little”. Reach out to anyone who needs to hear this stating something like: “I am really looking forward to the holiday meal, and I can’t wait to catch up with everyone. I wanted to ask you a favor, and while it’s a small thing, I think it would be really great if you would consider it. I’ve noticed that you tend to talk about how much food people have on their plates, and I’d like to ask you not to do that. I know you mean it in a joking way, but it can make people uncomfortable, particularly Danny. Do you think you could try that?”

. For them, talking about their diet feels like a natural way to bond with others. They may share what they are and are not eating in detail. And they may even add in how many pounds they have lost and why it’s so important to lose weight since they want to be “healthy”.

While diet talk is culturally normative, it’s also harmful because it promotes the myth that health is directly tied to weight. It also perpetuates the incorrect assumption that we can and should control our body weight.

Since family members who tend to engage in diet talk may be struggling with their own relationships with food and their bodies, try to approach these conversations from a place of compassion. Call your loved ones and say something like: “I am really looking forward to seeing you on Thursday! I wanted to ask you a big favor in advance. I know that your diet and health are really important to you, and I totally understand where you’re coming from. At the same time, we’re working on pursuing health without dieting or weight loss. This is a real challenge we’re facing, and it’s important to us. Would you mind not talking about your weight loss goals? There’s so much else we can talk about, and while I know this is a big request, I’d love it if you would consider it.”

These initial phone calls are how you can set your family’s boundaries in advance, but keep in mind that people may struggle to meet your boundaries. This is often due to force of habit, and sometimes it’s because people disagree with or don’t understand the boundary you have set.

On the day of the event, you might find yourself in a situation where you will need to decide whether and how you will respond when the behavior you’ve asked your family members not to do happens anyway. Keeping this in mind, you may want to think ahead and plan some options beforehand – from mild to assertive.

The first option is to ignore the comment. Make eye contact with your child communicating that you know what happened and don’t approve. Then follow up with your child privately and let them know that you are there to support them. This may sound something like: “I noticed that Aunt Trudy couldn’t help herself and commented on your weight. I’m really sorry about that. Is there anything you need from me now? Is there a way you would like me to respond differently in the future when that happens?”

The next option is to speak up and divert the conversation if necessary. You can say something like “Hey, mom, remember we aren’t talking about diets today! How’s Uncle Bert doing?”

Finally, the most assertive option is to take a break or leave the event. This is something you should do if you sense your child is in distress. Watch them carefully and stay tuned into their emotional state during the event. If you sense they are distressed and you are having difficulty helping them feel better, remember that it is okay to leave. This usually feels awkward, but your child’s safety and care should come first.

Family commentary during the holiday season can be a real challenge. But the most powerful approach is to go in prepared. Family dynamics, just like traditions, often repeat year after year, so planning in advance can help make holiday gatherings more relaxed and joyful for the entire family.

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 who helps parents who have a child with an eating disorder. Ginny recovered from a longtime eating disorder and has spent the past decade immersed in research regarding child psychology, neurobiology, parenting, and eating disorders. Her unique approach to supporting parents who are facing a child with an eating disorder is based on her lived experience, research, training, and interviews with hundreds of professionals, people who have/had eating disorders, and parents. Her mission in life is to empower parents to help their children recover.

4 Ways Parents Can Address Harmful Family Commentary This Holiday Season

For a long time, Equip Peer Mentor Rachel Myers had struggled with what she calls “health anxiety.” The fear of getting sick or developing a chronic illness consumed her, leading her down a rabbit hole of solutions for staving off sickness. That’s how she first discovered 

. While some adopt veganism for ethical or environmental purposes, for others like Myers, the lifestyle choice was a slippery slope into an 

While orthorexia isn’t a diagnosable eating disorder, it can be just as dangerous. Many people with orthorexia also fit the criteria for Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (

), or go on to develop other eating disorders, like 

 or binge eating disorder. Learn more about what orthorexia is, how it's connected to disordered eating, and how to get help.

 from a literal translation of the Greek words “

” (appetite), and refers to an overwhelming focus on “healthy” eating (you might also hear it referred to as "clean eating disorder"). There is, of course, a lot of variability in what constitutes “healthy” food, but the condition is typically characterized by some form of food 

, a fixation on the quality or “pureness” of ingredients, and distress when preferred foods aren’t available.

“When we talk about orthorexia, we’re referring to the state of being rigidly obsessed with 'clean' eating patterns in a way that obstructs normal functioning and daily life,” says Equip Dietitian Gabriela Cohen. “I would say it's on the rise because of the immense popularity of ‘

,’ which often end up doing the opposite of providing wellness.”

While the reported prevalence of orthorexia varies from study to study, the condition is estimated to affect up to 

. Those who are immersed in the health and wellness world may be more prone to developing orthorexia. Orthorexia can be an especially prevalent form of 

, who are targeted by “wellness” marketing.

Here are some of the most common signs of orthorexia, according to Cohen, and Equip Therapist Ashley Isenhower:

Being extremely health-conscious or obsessed with “clean eating”

Having very rigid rules about when you can eat (this includes 

Saying things like “I don't want to be thin, I want to be fit,” or “strong is the new skinny.”

Having to measure and count everything you eat

Being stressed to travel or go out to restaurants

Having an intense fear of contamination or health side effects from eating “impure” foods

It’s also worth noting that someone with orthorexia may have a "normal" body mass index (BMI) and appear healthy. You can’t always tell from someone’s appearance if they are struggling with orthorexia — or any other form of disordered eating for that matter.

Despite its prevalence and negative impacts on physical and psychological health, orthorexia isn’t considered a clinically diagnosable disorder and 

 in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). While many experts have argued for the classification of orthorexia as a clinical disorder, no standard set of diagnostic criteria has yet been established. However, that doesn’t mean orthorexia can’t have devastating effects on those who experience it, or initiate a slippery slope toward a diagnosable disorder.

“When asked 'is orthorexia an eating disorder,' I answer that I see orthorexia as a combination of different 

,” Cohen says. “Over a very short period of time, it can easily turn into an eating disorder such as anorexia or 

 (BED) if the patterns increase to the point that the individual isn’t eating enough or becomes so distressed that they start binge eating.”

Isenhower disagrees with the absence of orthorexia from diagnostic literature and says omitting it could result in serious consequences. “Not only do I believe orthorexia is and should be a classified eating disorder, I think it's probably the most dangerous one,” she says. “It’s the embodiment of 

 and anti-fat bias. It’s so incredibly praised and glorified — many fitness instructors, nutritionists, and social media influencers are essentially just selling orthorexia. And they get away with it because they proclaim to be ‘all about health.’”

Myers’ experience is a clear example of this. She says, “My life revolved around being ‘healthy,’ but I was constantly getting sick because I was not eating enough to sustain my energy needs, I lost my menstrual cycle for many years because of the imbalances I caused in my body, and orthorexia made me avoid getting help because I feared doctors would try to contaminate me even further with medicine or chemicals.”

While orthorexia doesn’t have the deadly reputation that disorders like anorexia and bulimia do, it doesn’t take much for an obsession with “clean” eating to spiral into a full-blown illness.

Orthorexia can trigger the use of potentially harmful substances that cause unpleasant side effects. As Myers puts it, “During my orthorexia, I was constantly trying out new, unregulated supplements and herbs because I believed I was deficient in vitamins and minerals but they caused stomach problems, headaches, and vitamin imbalances.” Myers advises, “It’s always best to talk to a doctor and dietitian before taking any supplements to see if you actually need them, and if there are any interactions with other medications.”

Aside from the physical risks, orthorexia can have a particularly negative effect on someone’s mental health. “There is an intense fear of what may happen if their meal isn't macro-friendly or if they can't work out exactly to their liking,” Isenhower says. “When we diagnose any mental illness, we're looking at the level of distress it causes the individual—how is this disorder impacting their daily functioning? With orthorexia, people are often severely impacted. That alone should qualify it for an official diagnosis.”

“My orthorexia made me really mistrust my own medical provider,” Myers says. “Instead of opting for medications to help with my chronic illness and mental health symptoms, I was determined to use diet, exercise, and supplements to manage them. I believed it wasn’t good to have anything 'artificial' in my body." 

Seeking help for orthorexia or offering support to someone you believe is struggling can be tricky, especially because the symptoms of this condition can often be deemed praise-worthy in diet culture. But Isenhower says swift action is necessary to stop the progression of orthorexia and improve the chances of recovery. Here are a few steps you can take.

Broaching the subject with a loved one can be difficult, but coming from a place of concern and empathy can help make the discussion easier. You can let them know what is orthorexia, and that you're concerned. “If you feel comfortable, I would try to talk to them or to their support system,” Cohen says. “A lot of the time people who engage in this type of behavior don't realize what they are doing because it’s so normalized in society. People think that they are engaging in ‘healthy eating’ while in reality it’s an ‘unhealthy way to eat healthy.’”

Cohen says that any time she’s concerned about a loved one, she asks them some specific questions to initiate a thoughtful, nonjudgmental conversation:

I’ve been noticing some new behaviors, are they actually promoting health to you?

Are you feeling at peace? What is the balance between your mental and physical health like right now?

Could the anxiety that you have surrounding eating actually be impacting your health (which goes beyond physical looks) in a negative way?

Another seemingly obvious but often overlooked tip for those observing orthorexia symptoms in a loved one: avoid reinforcing or idolizing their problematic behaviors, even unintentionally. “I would often get comments like, ‘I wish I was like you, I wish I could eat that healthily’ when it was actually driven out of fear for my health and wellbeing,” Myers says. I would suggest that you express genuine concern with that person and talk to them about getting professional help.”

“I truly cannot emphasize how harmful and serious orthorexia is,” Isenhower says. “It can be just as dangerous and just as fatal as any eating disorder. In order to get treatment covered, it may be helpful to seek a diagnosis of Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED), which can usually apply to someone who’s exhibiting symptoms of orthorexia.”

If you or someone you love might be showing signs of orthorexia, remember that support is out there. 

 provides tailored eating disorder treatment that includes a coordinated care team and mentors who have been through similar experiences. In treatment, trained clinicians can help you or your loved one unpack long-held beliefs about what is and isn’t “healthy,” and create space to live a life free from rigid restrictions. 

Varga, Márta, Szilvia Dukay-Szabó, Ferenc Túry, and F. van Furth Eric. “Evidence and Gaps in the Literature on Orthorexia Nervosa.” Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity 18, no. 2 (2013): 103–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0026-y.

Scarff, Jonathan R. “Orthorexia Nervosa: An Obsession With Healthy Eating.” Federal Practitioner 34, no. 6 (2017): 36–39.

Orthorexia: Can "Clean Eating" Become an Eating Disorder? 

Many people assume that there’s no such thing as eating 

“healthy.” But it’s possible for the desire to eat “clean” foods and stay healthy to escalate into a harmful obsession. When this happens, it’s known as orthorexia.

Orhorexia is a disordered eating pattern that stems from an intensive and excessive commitment to a “healthy” diet, or “clean eating.” It's not always easy to pinpoint when “healthy” eating becomes 

, the behaviors are easy to justify or even celebrated. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the clear warning signs of orthorexia so that you can seek 

Read on to learn more about what orthorexia is, the warning signs to look out for, and the next steps to take if you're concerned.

, or orthorexia nervosa, refers to eating patterns that stem from a preoccupation with eating “healthy” foods or “clean eating.” This obsession with achieving optimum health can lead to restrictive eating behaviors that interfere with quality of life, relationships, and both mental and physical health.

The definition of “healthy” or “clean” eating can vary from person to person (which is part of the reason that we put both words in quotes). But regardless of a person’s specific interpretation of those words, orthorexia refers to rigid eating patterns and a commitment to eating “pure” or high-quality foods.

It’s important to note that orthorexia isn’t a diagnosable eating disorder. But many people with eating patterns characteristic of orthorexia fit the criteria of 

, or other specified feeding and eating disorder. It’s also possible that the eating behaviors can develop into a diagnosable eating disorder, such as 

Mental health issues, including anxiety or 

Distrust in healthcare providers and medication

Social isolation, due to an inability or unwillingness to eat in social settings or rigidity around exercise

People of all shapes and sizes can struggle with orthorexia, and if you appear healthy or have a regular 

, you may not think you need help. But there are a variety of warning signs of orthorexia that can indicate when your desire to eat healthy has started to have negative mental, social, and physical effects.

Here are the five warning signs of orthorexia to be on the lookout for:

: Eating only “pure” ingredients is paramount to a person with orthorexia. This can show up in a variety of different ways, including cutting out large food groups or types of food or adopting 

Counting and measuring nutritional components

: There are many aspects of a food’s nutritional value, such as carbohydrates, calories, and protein. Closely tracking your intake of these nutrients could be a sign you have orthorexia.

: A common sign of orthorexia is feeling worried about contamination or disease from “impure” or “bad” foods. You may even feel anxious being around certain foods because you view them as “poison.”

Stress about eating out or while traveling

: When you’re eating at a restaurant or traveling to new places, orthorexia can cause you to feel emotional and mental distress about the availability of “clean” foods. This stress may even lead you to avoid travel and miss out on these experiences completely.

Emotional distress if eating patterns aren’t followed

: People with orthorexia tend to make rules for themselves—like always reading nutrition labels and ingredient lists before eating—as a way to stick to their rigid eating patterns. If these rules are broken, they can feel 

What to do if you recognize warning signs of orthorexia

If you’ve recognized warning signs of orthorexia in yourself or someone else in your life, you’ve already taken a huge first step. Once you acknowledge these warning signs, it may be time to explore treatment options that can help reduce the harmful behaviors of orthorexia.

Working with a multidisciplinary care team can help you tackle every aspect of your orthorexia and reduce its impact on your overall quality of life. At 