Orthorexia nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa is when someone becomes obsessed with eating only "healthy" or "clean" foods, and it can start to negatively affect their life.

Let's say you really like apples, and you decide that you're only going to eat apples because you believe they're the healthiest food. At first, this might seem like a good idea - after all, apples are a delicious and nutritious snack!

But then, you start to get worried about eating anything other than apples. You start avoiding other foods because you think they're "unhealthy". Maybe you stop eating pizza, for example, because you think it has too much fat or salt.

Before long, you're spending all your time and energy worrying about what you eat. You're no longer enjoying meals with friends or family because you're so fixated on what's in the food. You might even start skipping meals altogether, or only eating a very small amount of food each day.

This is where orthorexia nervosa becomes a problem. It's not just about making healthy food choices - it's about becoming so preoccupied with those choices that it starts to affect your physical and mental health. People with orthorexia nervosa can become underweight, malnourished, and socially isolated.

If you or someone you know is struggling with orthorexia nervosa, it's important to talk to a trusted healthcare provider or therapist. They can help you find a balanced approach to food and health that works for you.