Results: Orthorexia Nervosa - The new eating disorder?
1.
1.
Orthorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder defined as an unhealthy obsession with maintaining what the individual feels is a proper diet. It shares some of the characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder. Had you heard of orthorexia nervosa before this survey? Yes
17%
•
305 votes
No
74%
•
1295 votes
Undecided
8%
•
144 votes
2.
2.
It is important to distinguish between those who eat healthy foods and those who may be suffering from orthorexia nervosa. Which of these warning signs of orthorexia have you experienced or witnessed in others? A focus on maintaining the 'perfect' diet rather than maintaining a healthy weight
11%
•
193 votes
Eliminating entire groups of foods due to self-diagnosed allergies or concerns about purity of the food group
13%
•
225 votes
Obsessive concern over the relationship between food choices and health
10%
•
180 votes
Obsessive concern over washing of food or sterilization of utensils, food preparation areas and equipment
7%
•
130 votes
Being highly critical of those who do not follow what is considered by the individual to be a 'healthy' or 'pure' diet
8%
•
143 votes
Feelings of guilt or emotional distress when deviating from the individual's chosen diet
10%
•
168 votes
Increased consumption of vitamins and supplements beyond what a health practitioner would recommend
7%
•
120 votes
Avoiding food prepared or purchased by others
8%
•
136 votes
Social isolation from friends and family members who do not follow the same diet
5%
•
81 votes
Not applicable
68%
•
1184 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
•
5 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
| not sure sorry? | 0.04% | 1 |
| none | 0.04% | 1 |
| not sure the person is obsessed but is very focused | 0.04% | 1 |
| unfortunately, not applicable :) | 0.04% | 1 |
| i have a friend who had cancer, given 2 months to live, that was 8 years ago. she did many of these things but still has the two i marked, but she is relaxing once in a while from an organic and little sugar diet. she is under weight. | 0.04% | 1 |
3.
3.
While orthorexia nervosa is not yet formally recognized in some medical circles, many people do struggle with it and recovery support groups have been formed. The National Eating Disorders Association website has forums to help support those in recovery from eating disorders here http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/forum If you or someone you are close to are in need of help in your path to recovery from an eating disorder, would you feel comfortable reaching out online for that support? Yes
19%
•
325 votes
No
12%
•
209 votes
Undecided
22%
•
375 votes
Not Applicable
48%
•
835 votes
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