Healthy Eating or Obsession? Recognizing Orthorexia Signs

Orthorexia is a growing preoccupation with “healthy” eating that isn’t yet a formal DSM-5 diagnosis but is increasingly recognized by experts. Signs include extreme food restrictions beyond medical needs, rigid rules about what you can eat, hours spent analyzing ingredient lists, anxiety or guilt when breaking your self-imposed rules, and social-life disruption as meals and plans become dominated by food rules. If this sounds familiar, seek help from a dietitian or mental-health professional to regain a balanced approach to food and health.