orthorexia

American  

[awr-thuh--rek-see-uh] / ˌɔr θə ˈrɛk si ə /

Also orthorexia nervosa

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.

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orthorexia British  

/ ˈɔːθəˌrɛksɪə /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• orthorexic adjective

Etymology

Origin of orthorexia

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

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

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

From Slate

Evidence indicates that orthorexia is on the rise.

From Slate

She experienced orthorexia in her early years as a dietitian.

From Slate

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

From Slate