Orthorexia

Orthorexia:  An Unhealthy Obsession with Healthy Foods

Children and teens who show signs of this eating disorder have obsessive concerns about eating foods that are clean, unprocessed, organic, pesticide and preservative free, low in fat, sugar or salt – to the point that it impacts their everyday activities. For instance, if your daughter turns down an opportunity to go out to eat with her friends because she is worried that she will not be able to follow her strict dietary guidelines, this is a good time to ask some questions...

What’s troubling about orthorexia is that the side effects can mimic the more well-known eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. The symptoms are serious, chronic, and go beyond a lifestyle choice. Maintaining an obsession with healthy food may cause a serious reduction in calories because “acceptable” food might not be available and if dietary restrictions are too severe, malnutrition can result. Malnutrition and weight loss for children and teens is highly concerning because this is a period of time when they should be growing. When too few calories are consumed, this cannot occur properly. Losing weight can lead to a slower metabolism, stunted growth, delayed puberty, hair loss, dry skin, absent menstrual cycles, and changes in body temperature.

See:  http://cincinnatichildrensblog.org/healthy-living/orthorexia-an-unhealthy-obsession-with-healthy-foods/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Blog%20Traffic%20Campaign