Orthorexia - the new eating disorder on the block?

A Colorado doctor came up with a phrase several years ago for people who are addicted to healthy food. The term "Orthorexia" has caught a bit of steam recently. The doctor believes that an extreme obsession over eating healthy food can cause a fixation on how it is prepared to avoid daily stressors or negative emotions. In essence, they allow food to rule their lives. In some extreme cases, he believes it can lead to malnutrition, extreme weight loss, and even death.

Bonnie - I do know people that become so rigid about their healthy regimen that they constantly obsess and cannot eat out with friends or family. It is really another form of anorexia. It is the opposite spectrum of the individual who never thinks of food issues and is addicted to fast food restaurants, or anything that fills them up.

The Orthorexic has a control issue. The "Junk Food Junkie" is out-of-control. Which is worse? When you consider that the Junkie outnumbers the Orthorexic about 100,000-1, and obesity is the number health issue, you decide.

If you, or anyone you know thinks you have an issue with Orthorexia, please have them come see me!