For some people, healthy eating can go too far. 

 

When healthy eating becomes an obsession, it can affect your relationships, your health, and the way you live your life. “Orthorexia” is the term used to describe this. 

 

Has My Healthy Eating Gone Too Far? Do I have Orthorexia?

 

Take a moment to consider whether any of these statements sound like you: 

 

• I don’t allow myself to eat “unhealthy” foods

• I feel very guilty if I eat something I’m not comfortable with 

• I’ve canceled plans because of the food that might be there 

• It is difficult to find things I can eat at a lot of restaurants

• I’ve brought my own food to events or other people’s homes

• I need to eat at home before I go to an event or to someone's home, because I may not be able to eat what they have. 

• I think a lot about the ingredients in foods 

• I’m afraid of what will happen if I eat something “bad” 

• The way I eat affects my kids or my family 

• I plan out everything I eat, and have a hard time being flexible

• I am afraid to keep “unhealthy” foods in the house 

 

Is Orthorexia an eating disorder? 

 

Orthorexia is an eating disorder that does not have an official diagnosis in the DSM-5. Someone with Orthorexia may have a diagnosis of OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) or Unspecified Eating Disorder.  Like all eating disorders, Orthorexia can have a significant impact on your health and your life. 

 

Orthorexia can also be part of another mental health problem, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. When you meet with us, we will do a complete evaluation to determine what is causing the problem so that we can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. 

 

What health problems are caused by Orthorexia? 

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Orthorexia shares many of the same health consequences as Anorexia Nervosa. For some people, these health problems can be fatal. If you're struggling with Orthorexia or having any health symptoms that concern you, it is important to see your doctor. 

 

 

How does Orthorexia impact my mental health? 

 

Orthorexia can make you feel isolated. You may find that you eat alone more often than not.  After a while, you may forget what “normal” eating really looks like. Being too inflexible can cause you to miss out on eating with family and friends.

 

Your relationships can also be impacted by Orthorexia. You may find that you snap at others or lose your patience easily. 

 

Orthorexia can damage your relationship with yourself. Being too rigid and focused on perfection can cause you to beat yourself up when you go off course. This impacts your confidence and self esteem. 

 

Orthorexia can also cause problems with your moods, mental focus, and overall mental health. When the brain is not getting enough nutrients (including dietary fats and carbohydrates), this can make it harder to regulate your moods and focus your attention on important things. You might find yourself feeling more depressed and irritable. You may also feel a sense of “brain fog”, like you can’t remember important things or that you can’t concentrate. 

 

If you are struggling with Orthorexia, OSFED, or Unspecified Eating Disorder, you need and deserve help. 

Is It Possible To Overcome Orthorexia? 

 

Yes. We have worked with many people who have struggled with Orthorexia and are now doing much better. You don’t have to stay stuck. You can learn to be more flexible with food and make room for other enjoyable things in your life. 

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How does Christine Knorr Psychotherapy Associates help people with Orthorexia? 

 

We carefully consider your individual needs and create a treatment plan that is exactly right for you. 

 

Our approach may include: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills

• Intuitive Eating 

• Family Based Treatment for children and adolescents

• Trauma-focused therapy

• Collaboration with your physician and nutritionist (with your written permission)

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and other behavioral interventions

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy to help you gain insight into how your experiences shaped your relationship with food, your body, and yourself. 

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Will my insurance pay for therapy for Orthorexia? 

 

Yes, your insurance may help you to pay for some or most of the cost of therapy. The amount your insurance will cover depends on your plan. You can find more information about our fees & how to use your insurance here. 

 

Which Therapists Can Help Me? 

 

Hannah Smith, Sher Leibowitz, Christine Knorr, and Karissa Mercado all have specialized exerience helping people with Anorexia and other eating disorders. You can take a look at each therapist's bio and choose the therapist whose personality and experience align best with your needs. If you need help deciding, give us a call and we can help match you with the therapist who is right for you. 

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In-Person therapy for Orthorexia

 

​We provide specialized eating disorder therapy for Orthorexia in person in our office in New City, NY. Our office is accessible to all of Rockland County, Westchester County, Northern NJ, Bergen County, and Orange County, NY.

 

Virtual therapy for Orthorexia

For those who don't live in driving distance, or those who would rather participate in therapy from the comfort of home, we offer virtual therapy to people throughout New York State. Our virtual clients live locally in Rockland County, as well as other places such as Buffalo, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, and Northern New York.