Orthorexia Webinar

I recently gave a webinar for Registered Dietitians, hosted by the Today’s Dietitian Learning Library. Are you familiar with this term?
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Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) was first described in 1997 but has since gained increased recognition as a problem faced by more and more individuals. While it is not yet listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders with the other known and observed eating disorders, it is well recognized as causing ill health and requires treatment.⠀
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The term ‘orthorexia’ means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating. Although being aware of and concerned with the nutritional quality of the food you eat isn’t a problem in and of itself, people with ON become so fixated on so-called ‘healthy eating’ that they actually damage their own well-being. Clinicians can be instrumental in identifying and treating this disorder if they know what to look for.⠀
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“Restrictive eating, including Orthorexia Nervosa, is facilitated in any culture that stigmatizes ‘obesity.’”

I shared this quote from the excellent review article by McComb & Mills (.Orthorexia nervosa: A review of psychosocial risk factors. Appetite.2019;140(70):50-75.) in my webinar.. I added the quotes around the o-word, because it's a stigmatizing word on it's own. ⠀
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When I read these words in their paper, I highlighted, circled and put stars all over this passage. This is such a critical point. In order to change the trajectory of healing for people with eating disorders and in order to prevent eating disorders, we have to stop the culturally dominant fatphobia that exists. Period. ⠀
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Clinicians can do this by learning about Health at Every Size. ⠀
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Parents can do this by avoiding negative body talk and accepting children's unique shapes and sizes. ⠀
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Workplaces can do this by ending the stigmatizing health screenings and 'Biggest Loser' challenges.⠀
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Public places can do this by offering accommodating seating, restrooms, and spaces. ⠀
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Individuals can do this by speaking out against blatant fatphobia when it's encountered. ⠀
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What will you do?

If you’re a clinician and want to learn more about Orthorexia, you can view the recorded version for the next year by visiting the Today’s Dietitian website.