The October 2010 edition of The Idea Fitness Journal for A.C.E. Certified Professionals had a very interesting article on this newly recognized eating disorder. In summary, this eating disorder involves an extreme amount of self-discipline with a feeling of superiority over others less disciplined. Suffering individuals are attracted to a restricted or complicated diet that leads to an imbalanced diet. The imbalance is due to extreme restriction or elimination of major food components.
An interesting tidbit about my job is that not only do I have to understand who I can work with as a client, but I must also have solid grasp on who I cannot work with. The scope of my practice is clear, but the history of the person I consult with may not be. Eating disorders fall outside the scope of my practice, so proper screening is required. This new eating disorder is intriguing to me as two things clearly differentiate this from other disorders like anorexia or bulimia. Orthoexia Nervosa sufferers have no fear of weight gain. Second, it is as equally pervasive among males as it is females. There are, however, common similarities between this and the other more historically recognized disorders. Please click on the link to read the complete article: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/orthorexia-nervosa-a-primer?sourcecode=ACEIFJ
One thing clear is that where moderation isn't involved in a lifestyle, the potential for trouble lurks. This could mean excessive exercise, extreme dieting or relationships being adversely affected as a result of such extreme behavior(s). Extreme behaviors do not lead to balance or optimal health. If any of these behaviors sound like yours, please be open to discussing with your physician. Efforts to embrace a healthier lifestyle can turn extreme and the desired objective of positive effects can be lost.
