How Are Orthorexia Patients, Socially And Medically, Different From Anorexia Patients?

Interesting Question….And
janurse427 – 12/06/2009 – 14:42

Interesting question….and complex.
Othorexia involves a kind of ‘spiritual’ and ‘pure’ component pertaining to food and eating. The main differences are that those who abide by the othorexia standards are more boastful about their eating choices and are more focused about the ‘quality’ of food than the ‘quantity’ of food. However, both othorexia and anorexia result in malnutrition, greatly decreased social interactions/relationships, and there are a high number of instances of obsessive/compulsive disorder seen among this population. For those with othorexia, they may equate their food choices with holiness, purity, complete safety and control, and a kind of spirituality in the kitchen. Othorexia is also much more prevelant among males. While there are differences, treatment and recovery from othorexia can be similar to other eating disorders, but it does pose some special challenges for professionals. For more information, you may want to check out the book,
“Othorexia Nervosa: Overcoming the Obsession with Healthful Eating-Health Food Junkies by Steven Bratman, M.D.

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