An excessive focus on “clean” foods, adhering to the principles of healthy eating, can escalate into a dangerous obsession and lead to the development of orthorexia nervosa. This is reported by “Izvestia,” citing the journal Medical Xpress.
Experts emphasize that recommendations for strict dietary restrictions often originate from wellness bloggers (influencers promoting a healthy lifestyle) rather than professional medical practitioners. The issue becomes serious when eating habits begin to dictate a person’s self-worth, and any deviation from the rules triggers feelings of guilt and anxiety.
Among the signs of destructive obsession, experts include categorizing foods as “good” or “bad,” constant meal planning, and avoiding social events where “improper” food might be present.
To assist loved ones experiencing such an obsession, it is advised to choose a calm moment for conversation, focus on overall well-being rather than physical appearance, and strongly encourage seeking professional medical help.
The human brain perceives calorie-dense food as a source of salvation rather than a means to improve health. This was stated to NEWS.ru by Elena Kunakovskaya, a psychotherapist at the Krasnogorsk Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, when discussing the craving many people have for unhealthy food.
According to the specialist, from ancient times, the bitter taste of vegetables often signaled poison, so the brain seeks energy, not health—sugar and fat serve as super-fuel for it. The body rejoices at a calorie bomb, while plain chicken breast signifies “lean times” to it.
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