2. Outline
What is Orthorexia Nervosa?
Classification of Orthorexia Nervosa
The Evidence: What does it tell us?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Anxiety
Diagnostic Tools
Treatment Options
Goals of Nutrition Care
Technique Tool Box
3. What is Orthorexia Nervosa
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4. The Illusion of Safety
H
E
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L
T
H
L
Y
P U R E
Artificial
GMO’s
Additives
P
E
S
T
I
C
I
D
E
S
Natural
Preservatives
TOXIC
Fresh
B
I
O
L
O
G
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C
A
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Processed
Wholesome
Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08NDXMvdz0 Image Source: http://cliparts.co/skull-and-crossbones-images-free
5. Not included in the DSM-5
Similarities among anorexia nervosa
and bulimia nervosa
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake
Disorder
Diagnostic Fad?
Dominant awareness among eating
disorder professionals in Belgium
(Vandereycken W, 2011)Media-Induced or
actual disorder?
Classification
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9.
In combination with Orthorexia Nervosa
OCD and Anxiety
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15.
Thank you for listening
Questions?
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16. References
Aksoydan E, Camci N. Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among Turkish performance artists. Eat Weight Disord. 2009
March;14(1):33-7. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/19367138
Alvarenga M, Martins M, Sato K, Varga S, Philippi S, Scagliusi F. Orthorexia nervosa behaviour in a sample of Brazilian
dietitians assessed by the Portuguese version of ORTO-15. Eat Weight Disord. 2012 March;17(1):e29-e35. Abstract
available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/?term=orthorexia+brazilian
Asil E, Sürücüoğlu, M. Orthorexia nervosa in Turkish dietitians. Ecol Food Nutr, 2015 Jan;[Epup ahead of print]:
1-11. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/25602930.
Bağci Bosi A, Camur D, Güler C. Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in resident medical doctors in the faculty of
medicine (Ankara, Turkey). Appetite. 2007 Nov;49(3):661-6. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/17586085.
Bratman S, Knight D. Health food junkies: overcoming the obsession with healthy eating. New York (NY): Broadway
Books; 2000. ISBN: 0767905857
Brytek-Matera A. Orthorexia nervosa – an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or disturbed eating habit?
Arch Psychiatr Psychother. 2012;1:55-60. Available from:
http://www.archivespp.pl/uploads/images/2012_14_1/BrytekMatera55__APP1_2012.pdf
Catalina Zamora ML, Bote Bonaechea B, Garcia Sanchez F, Rios Rial B. Orthorexia nervosa. A new eating behavior
disorder? Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2005;33(1):66-68
17. References
Donini L, Marsili D, Graziani M, Imbriale M, Cannella C. Orthorexia nervosa: validation of a diagnosis questionnaire.
Eat Weight Disord. 2005 Jun;10(2):e28-e32. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/16682853
Donini L, Marsili D, Graziani D, Imbriale M, Cannella C. Orthorexia nervosa: a preliminary study with a proposal for
diagnosis and an attempt to measure the dimension of the phenomenon. Eat Weight Disord. 2004 Jun;9(2):151-7.
Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/15330084
Eriksson L, Baigi A, Marklund B, Lindgren E. Social physique anxiety and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance
impact on orthorexia test in fitness participants. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2008 Jun;18(3):389-94. Abstract available
from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/18067519
Haman L, Barker-Ruchti N, Patriksson G, Lindgren EC. Orthorexia nervosa: an integrative literature review of a lifestyle
syndrome. Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-Being. 2015;10:26799. Abstract available from:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v10.26799
Herranz Valera J, Acuña Ruiz P, Romero Valdespino B, Visioli F. Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among ashtanga yoga
practitioners: a pilot study. Eat Weight Disord. 2014 May;epub ahead of print. Abstract available from: http://www-
ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/24852286
Kinzl F, Hauer K, Traweger C, Kiefer I. Orthorexia nervosa in dieticians. Psychother Psychosom. 2006 Oct;75(6):695-6.
Citation available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/17053342
18. References
Korinth A, Schiess S, Westenhoefer. Eating behaviour and eating disorders in students of nutrition sciences. Public
Health Nutr. 2010 Jan;13(1):32-7. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/19433007
Koven N, Senbonmatsu R. A neuropsychological evaluation of orthorexia nervosa. O J Psych. 2013 Feb;3(2): 214-22.
Available from: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/10.4236/ojpsych.2013.32019
Mathieu J. What is orthorexia? J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 Oct;105(10):1510-2. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-
nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/16183346
Moroze R, Dunn T, Craig Holland J, Yager J, Weintraub P. Microthinking about micronutrients: a case of transition from
obsessions about healthy eating to near-fatal “orthorexia nervosa” and proposed diagnostic criteria. Psychosomatics.
2014 Mar. Epub ahead of print. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/21998605
Park S, Kim J, Jeon E, Pyo H, Kwon Y. Orthorexia nervosa with hyponatremia, subcutaneous emphysema,
pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and pancytopenia. Electrolyte Blood Press. 2011 Jun;9(1):32-7. Abstract
available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/21998605
Ramacciotti C, Perrone P, Coli E, Burgalassi A, Conversano C, Massimetti G, et al. Orthorexia nervosa in the general
population: a preliminary screening using a self-administered questionnaire (ORTO-15). Eat Weight Disord. 2011
Jun;16(2):e127-30. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/21989097
19. References
Rangel C, Dukeshire S, MacDonald L. Diet and Anxiety. An exploration into the Orthorexic Society.
Appetite. 2011 Aug;58:124-132. Abstract available from: doi:10.1016/j.appet.2011.08.024
Saddichha S, Babu G, Chandra P. Orthorexia nervosa presenting as a prodrome of schizophrenia. Schiophr Res.
2012 Jan;134(1):110. Citation available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/22088557
Satter E. Eating competence: nutrition education with the Satter Eating Competence Model. J Nutr Educ
Behav. 2007 Sep-Oct;39(5 Suppl):S189-94. Citation available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/17826701
Segura-García C, Papaianni M, Caglioti F, Procopio L, Nisticò C, Bombardiere L, et al. Orthorexia
nervosa: a frequent eating disordered behaviour in athletes. Eat Weight Disord. 2012 Dec;17(4):e226-
33. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/22361450
Vandereycken W. Media hype, diagnostic fad, or genuine disorder? Professionals’ opinions about night eating
syndrome, orthorexia, muscle dysmorphia, and emetophobia. Eat Weight Disord. 2014 Mar-Apr;19(2):145-55.
Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/21360365
Varga M, Dukay-Szabó S, Túry F, van Furth E. Evidence and gaps in the literature on orthorexia nervosa. Eat
Weight Disord. 2013 Jun;18(2):103-11. Abstract available from: http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-
gov.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/pubmed/23760837
Hinweis der Redaktion
We as dietitians live by the motto "everything in moderation", but what happens when we have a patient who ignores this golden rule? What should we do when we have a patient who lives with an obsession of healthy food?
Stems from the Greek word ortho meaning "straight, correct, & true" and orexis meaning "appetite"
There is no universally accepted definition, however the literature agrees with three distinguishing characteristics of someone with orthorexia nervosa:
Firstly, a strong fixation with "healthy eating" with the rigid avoidance of foods believed to be unhealthy
This involves a spectrum of diet regimes and the latest tips on how to prevent illness or disease.
Secondly, excessive amounts of time spent acquiring and preparing specific types of foods based on their perceived quality and composition
Food must be purchased from certain locations such health food stores and often times only wood and ceramic instruments must be used in the preparation.
Thirdly, the subsequent impairment of social, academic or job-related functioning owing to obsessional thoughts and behaviours
This stems from the amount of time planning meals and the skepticism of a meal prepared by someone else.
Essentially the obsession results in a loss of moderation and balance causing a significant withdrawal from life
In severe cases, medical complications such as electrolyte abnormalities, metabolic acidosis and weight loss may result as a result of malnutrition.
First described in 1997 by Steven Bratman in his book Health Food Junkies. A rather entertaining and motivational book outlining the obsession symptoms, potential causes, and treatments from the viewpoint of a naturopathic doctor.
Clear distinction between foods that are good and bad
May feel a sense of superiority and driven to share the virtues of their diet with others.
This individual that I just described, I encountered him or her on a regular basis when I worked at Whole Foods last year. The reason I chose this topic was to not only understand where many of these customers were coming from but to pick the brains of dietitians to see how they would handle similar situations.
Currently, ON is not included in the DSM-V like its counterpart’s anorexia nervosa and bulimia and so authors categorize it as "avoidant/ restrictive food intake disorder".
While no studies have been completed on the differential diagnosis of ON many authors have attempted to distinguish other ED from ON.
The main difference between ON and AN is the motivation behind the restriction. Unlike anorexia nervosa there is less of an obsession with weight and distorted body images. Furthermore they are more concerned with the quality of food rather than the quantity.
Similarities include: rigidity, perfectionism, social isolation, guilty feelings after a transgression and the diet representing identification to the individual.
These are of course textbook definitions and in actual practice there is some overlap.
A few authors have pointed out that this disorder rose to "fame" right before the printing of the DSM-IV and that it is every doctor's dream to coin the next new phenomenon. Nonetheless, in a study of eating disorder professionals 68% of respondents reported that they observed ON in their own practice and 25% of respondents interpret ON as a product of the media.
Does media play a role?
Emergence of a society of individuals constantly called upon to sort through expert advice in order to assess the risk and benefits of food choices
Popular books on active medicine seem to actively promote ON in their enthusiasm for sweeping dietary changes
This is something you can speak to, and use as a tool when addressing ON.
I do want to caution that the evidence in not conclusive (is insufficient), but still interesting nonetheless. The literature is composed of
cross-sectional studies,
case studies,
an explorative study using focus groups,
a theoretical study
and expert opinion
Only two studies were aimed at the general population, predicting the prevalence to range from 6.9% to 57.6% depending on the threshold used.
The associations between gender and ON tendency are not clear
ON has been reported to occur equally in males and females
Some studies however found that is occurred more frequently in males
The literature hypothesized that higher ON tendency seems to be related to the internalization and acceptance of the sociocultural attitude toward appearance, which is independent of gender.
Other studies aimed their efforts at "high risk groups" such as dietitians, dietetics students, medical residents, performance artists, yoga practitioners, and athletes.
The prevalence of ON in dietitians and dietetic students ranged from 12.8% to 81.9% when tested in different countries across the globe.
The highest prevalence of Orthorexia was found in yoga practitioners (86%), followed by performance artists (54.6%), medical residents (45.5%), and male athletes (30%).
Interestingly enough, some studies found that ON was more common in people who were older and with a higher BMI.
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One study found a neuropsychological overlap between OCD and ON by finding similar weaknesses in set-shifting, emotional control, self-monitoring, and working memory.
One study utilizing focus groups composed of women at various life stages examined the anxiety associated with sifting through scientific information on food nutrition and the risk factors.
BOT:
- created by the man that coined this term
- 10 questions with dichotomous choice (YES/NO)
as the number of YES answers increase so does the degree of ON, requiring only 4 points to be considered to orthorexic.
Limitations: never been validated
includes items not exclusive to ON (i.e. when eating do you pay attention to the calories of food? Do you think mood affects eating behaviour?))
ORTO-15
- diagnosed ON and compiled the questionnaire with the basis of health fanatic behaviour and obsessive compulsive behaviour and phobia
- a liker scale questionnaire (always to never) in an attempt to make the answers more truthful
- took 6 questions from BOT however modified slightly
- added 9 others
- Cognitive-rational area: Is the taste of food more important than the quality when you evaluate food? Do you think that eating healthy food changes your lifestyle?
- Clinical area: Does the thought about food worry you greater than 3 hours a day?
- Emotional area: Are your eating choices conditioned by your worry about health status?
- For each question a score of 1 was indicative of ON and a score of 4 indicated normal eating behaviour
- the threshold value of 40 was considered to be more predictive
Limitations:
- scoring method remains ambiguous
- tool poorly distinguishes between individuals informed of healthy eating and those with a sever pathological eating disorder
- the tool performs inconsistently across varied cultural and language settings
- Treating individuals with ON may be challenging as conventional medical care may be believed to be harmful
However given the disorder underlies with the preoccupation of heath, they may be amenable to treatment if it promises the achievement of better health.
A multi-disciplinary approach composed of physicians, psychotherapists and dietitians is necessary to address the medical, psychological and nutritional consequences of ON.
Goals:
Empower your participant to be positive and capable with eating
Be a catalyst for productive change in eating attitudes and behaviours.
Make building relationships your priority
Food-ways are intensely personal and private
Sharing intimate details of food management carries the risk of criticism and shame
Be accepting and back your participants up - don't criticize or undermine them
Begin by asking where your participants what help, address those concerns
As these clients are very health conscious, show them you want to help them
Address Encoded Messages
Anxiety is a dominant relation with food
Even if you bend over backwards to be positive, participants may still decode your messages as negative, prescriptive and judgemental.
Ask what the client hears you say - encourage them to be frank
"All food can back a nutritional contribution" --> "Eat it if you must, but it isn't very good for you".
Address feelings
Unexpressed feelings can act as a barrier to change
They can interfere with getting on the clients wavelength
Correct misinformation but don't try to fix feelings
Teach food acceptance
Support variety by emphasizing pleasure as a guiding principle in food selection
Research shows with children and adults that acceptance of specific food items increases with repeated, neutral exposure (10-20x)
Exposures include: looking at the food, touching, smelling, and handling the food, preparing it and tasting it over and over
Mouthing the food increases familiarity and acceptance of taste and texture.
Teach participants to inconspicuously spit unwanted tastes into a napkin
Address extreme food selectivity
Coach mealtime social skills to allow the individual to politely but firmly fend off unwanted food
Teach socially acceptable behaviour around food
It is acceptable to pick and choose from what is on the table, to decline to be served, to eat only 1 or 2 food items from a meal, or to leave unwanted food on the plate.
It is not socially acceptable to draw attention to food refusal or to request food that is not on the menu.
Define meals in achievable ways
A meal is sitting down to eat facing each other and sharing the same food
Help find solutions to address obstacles
Emphasize the nutrition worth of preferred food items, and recommend adding food items one at a time.
"If you make that change, will you still enjoy the meal?"
Help clients to understand the biological regulation of food intake and the importance of nutritional balance
Use health-promoting terminology cautiously, as it may sustain the pattern of disordered eating
Dispel harmful beliefs/attitudes about food and eating
Nutrition information increases willingness to taste novel food in subjects for whom nutrition is important