orthorexia

Also or·tho·rex·i·a ner·vo·sa

[awr-thuh--rek-see-uh]

noun

1. an obsession with eating foods that are considered healthy, especially when accompanied by an obsessive aversion to, or even fear of, foods that are considered unhealthy.

orthorexia

/ ˈɔːθəˌrɛksɪə /

noun

1. a disorder characterized by a morbid obsession with eating healthy foods only

Other Word Forms

• orthorexic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthorexia¹

orth(o)- ( def. ) + -orexia ( def. ); coined by Steven Bratman, U.S. physician, in 1997

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthorexia¹

C21: from _ortho- + ( _ano ) _rexia

Example Sentences

Researchers note that such moralizing can lead to the development of eating disorders like orthorexia, or a fixation on eating “correct” foods.

From Salon

It’s important to distinguish orthorexia from general health-conscious behaviors.

From Slate

Orthorexia, a term first coined in 1997 by physician Steven Bratman, combines the Greek words for correct and appetite.

From Slate

Because it often masquerades as self-control or health-consciousness, orthorexia is easy to overlook, even by people suffering from it.

From Slate

Though not formally recognized in the DSM-5, the term orthorexia has gained traction as wellness culture has exploded.

From Slate