Orthorexia Gains Traction Beyond DSM-5 as 2 Dietitians Tie Rise to Social Media

1 articles · Updated · HuffPost · May 31

Orthorexia — an obsessive focus on “healthy” or “pure” eating — is becoming more common, with dietitians describing it as widely recognized subclinical disordered eating even though it is not listed in the DSM-5.
Social media nutrition trends, fad diets, protein-heavy marketing and wearable biometric tracking are fueling that rise by pushing rigid ideas about “clean” eating and constant self-monitoring.
Key warning signs include extreme food restrictions, compulsive ingredient checking, hours of meal planning, anxiety or guilt after breaking food rules, and avoiding social situations because of food concerns.
Dietitians say the condition can be hard to distinguish from disciplined healthy eating until it starts harming mental, physical or social functioning.
Experts recommend early help from a dietitian or therapist, shifting from all-or-nothing rules to variety and moderation, and using 988 support if eating-disorder symptoms escalate.

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