Rising from the globe?s newfound penchant for healthy eating habits, a new eating disorder, orthorexia nervosa, has recently found itself a hot topic of discussion around lunch tables and gym coolers across South Africa.

Also known as ?disordered or maniacal eating?, orthorexia is allegedly characterised by strict control over calorie intake and rigid nutritional rules ? all under the guise of healthy eating. Sufferers, typically well-educated middle-class 30-somethings, become obsessed with food ? from its nutritional content and quality to its farming methods and source ? while believing that their behaviour borders on the virtuous.

?What?s concerning is the overlap between healthy eating, anorexia and an existing obsessive-compulsive disorder,? comments Debbie Nash. Nash, presently the Treatment Director at private Cape Town eating disorder retreat, Montrose Manor, has increasingly seen the ?orthorexia? verdict put forward, without a proper diagnosis. ?There is a fine line between those with possible orthorexia and those manipulating their eating habits to become healthier, and many physicians would be hard-pressed to differentiate between them.?

And the incidence of this disorder locally? ?We?re not yet comfortable in diagnosing orthorexia locally until further research has been done. Orthorexia could simply be a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly diagnosed in men, in which case treatment would be significantly different to that of an orthorexic. An obsession with eating food, and the right foods, is also commonly found in anorexia nervosa, which makes diagnosis that much more difficult.?

First described in 1997 by Colorado doctor, Dr Stephen Bratman, orthorexia has become a buzzword amongst the affluent, as the disorder is thought to affect mainly wealthy, health-conscious men and women. However, while not an official diagnosis as yet, there?s no doubt that an obsession with healthy eating can affect the patient?s relationships, career and communication abilities, while also posing serious health risks.

?There?s really no need for panic as yet - we just need to be cognisant of the boundaries between healthy eating habits and obsessive behaviour,? Nash concludes. ?The move towards healthier diets is a very positive trend but, with a proliferation of nutritionists, personal trainers and some dieticians all promoting fanatical eating programmes, you should be wary of the boundaries between a balanced eating plan and compulsive dieting. When in doubt, consult your doctor or a qualified eating disorder professional.?

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