Orthorexics

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Describing individuals who have an unhealthy obsession with eating foods they consider healthy and avoiding those deemed unhealthy
2. Referring to people whose strict dietary choices lead to excessive concern about nutrition and food purity
3. Identifying those who practice an extreme form of orthorexia, prioritizing perceived healthfulness to the detriment of overall well-being

Etymology: The term "orthorexics" refers to individuals who are excessively preoccupied with eating only healthy foods, often to the detriment of their overall well-being. This word is derived from "orthorexia," a concept coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman, an American physician. He created the term to describe a growing trend of people becoming fixated on the quality of their food, rather than the quantity, leading to an unhealthy obsession with dietary purity. The suffix "-ics" is often used to denote a branch of knowledge or a field of study, but in this case, it is applied to describe those who practice or embody the principles of orthorexia. The roots of "orthorexia" can be traced back to the Greek words "orthos," meaning "correct" or "right," and "orexis," meaning "appetite." Thus, the original concept was intended to convey the idea of a "correct" or "healthy" appetite. Dr. Bratman’s intention was to highlight how the pursuit of health through diet could lead to a restrictive and obsessive relationship with food. The term quickly gained traction as awareness of eating disorders and their various manifestations grew, leading to a broader discourse on the implications of extreme dietary habits. The first recorded usage of "orthorexia" appears in the late 1990s, and it was formally recognized in 2013 when it was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a condition deserving further study. As a result, "orthorexics," the plural noun referring to those who adhere to this strict dietary regimen, emerged in the lexicon as the phenomenon became more discussed in health and wellness circles. While many people pursue healthy eating habits, orthorexia represents a flip side of this desire—an excessive fixation that may lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and psychological distress. In this way, the word encapsulates a significant cultural conversation about food, health, and the balance that is necessary for a healthy relationship with what we consume.

Synonyms: healthy eaters