“In 1997, physician Steven Bratman coined the term ‘orthorexia’ (orthos, ‘right’ and orexia, ‘appetite,’ translating to ‘righteous eating’) in response to his patients who were fine physically but ‘driving themselves crazy’ over their eating habits. Bratman’s work observed two stages of orthorexia. Healthy orthorexia, with an interest in healthy eating with no pathological features, and orthorexia nervosa, with an obsessive focus on healthy eating.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can learn more about various care options here. EDRC provides support groups and maintains a comprehensive directory of specialized treatment providers in the Bay Area. You can also support EDRC’s mission further by making a tax deductible donation.
