Orthorexia nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa is a term used to describe a disorder that is characterised by an obsession with healthy eating and a focus on food quality or purity—this can result in malnutrition, weight loss or impairment in daily functioning. Orthorexia nervosa is not a formally recognised disorder—there is no accepted definition or diagnostic criteria and evidence for management of the disorder is very limited.

People with orthorexia nervosa may meet criteria for another eating disorder—for management see:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
• Binge eating disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Other specified or unspecified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).

It is not clear what management options are effective for orthorexia nervosa. Psychological treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) used for other eating disorders may be trialled. Educating patients about correct nutritional information may help.

Useful resources are available from:

• Butterfly Foundation
• Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA)
• InsideOut Institute (NSW)
• Eating Disorders Victoria
• Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/(13 11 14)
• National Eating Disorders Collaboration
• The Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
• Centre for Clinical Interventions Resources for eating disorders
• for young people, Headspace