In an age dominated by digital influence and fitness culture, the pursuit of health and wellness has become a cornerstone of modern living. In today’s health-conscious society, the idea of “eating clean” and leading a fit lifestyle is not just a goal – it’s a movement. Social media platforms like Instagram are flooded with inspirational hashtags like #Fitspiration, #CleanEating, and #EatClean, glorifying plant-based meals, detox smoothies, and intense workout regimens. While these trends aim to promote wellness, an increasing number of people are taking these habits to the extreme. Experts are now warning that the pursuit of perfect health can, ironically, lead to serious mental, as well as physical health risks.

The Rise of “Fitspiration” and its Psychological Impact

Globally, more than 180,000 fitness clubs now serve approximately 145 million members annually. The boom in fitness culture and clean eating sparked a cultural movement rooted in self-discipline, performance, and appearance. However, though rooted in the desire for self-improvement, mental health experts warn against the consequences of compulsive health behaviours, such as restrictive eating and excessive exercise.   

Dr. Christopher Szabo, Psychiatrist and Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, has expressed concern about how perfectionism promoted by wellness culture can lead to pathological behaviours and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders. He notes that when people chase unrealistic ideals of health or body image, the methods they adopt may become emotionally and physically destructive.

What Is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia nervosa, a term coined by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997, describe an unhealthy obsession with “pure” or “clean” eating. Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, orthorexia is not centered around weight loss, but on food purity and health. Although not officially classified as an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), orthorexia shares many features with conditions such as anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Orthorexia differs from simply being health-conscious. Many individuals follow specific diets and label certain foods as “good” or “bad” without experiencing psychological harm. The distinguishing factor lies in the extent to which food dominates a person’s identity and daily life. For orthorexia sufferers every meal becomes an opportunity to “eat right” and maintain moral superiority, with feelings of guilt or self-punishment arising from perceived dietary failures. Ironically, while these individuals aim to achieve optimal health, the rigidity and extremism of their diets often lead to nutritional deficiencies, impaired physical health and social isolation.

Symptoms of Orthorexia

When dietary choices begin to interfere with relationships, work, or overall happiness, and when health goals paradoxically lead to poorer health, the behaviour may signal orthorexia.

Symptoms include:

• Obsessive focus on the quality and source of food.
• Rigid avoidance of foods seen as unhealthy or impure.
• Anxiety, guilt, or shame when deviating from the diet.
• Isolation due to dietary restrictions and ritual.

The Role of Social Media

Social media platforms amplify this problem by constantly showcasing curated images of idealised lifestyles. The #Orthorexia hashtag itself now includes over 56,000 posts, many of them shared by individuals documenting their struggles or recovery journeys. Influencers and fitness personalities often promote wellness ideals that are difficult to sustain and, for some, psychologically damaging.

This digital environment fosters comparison, perfectionism, and a distorted sense of what constitutes true health. For vulnerable individuals, especially teens and young adults, the pressure to meet these standards can push them into extreme eating patterns.

When Does Clean Eating Become Dangerous?

Though clean eating may appear harmless – even admirable – it can lead to serious physical and psychological effects when taken too far. Ironically, those most committed to health may find themselves undernourished and emotionally distressed.

Common consequences include:

• Nutrient deficiencies due to the exclusion of entire food groups.
• Social withdrawal from events that involve food.
• Disordered eating habits, including food rituals and inflexible meal planning.
• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive thinking.

What starts as a health-conscious choice can spiral into a rigid belief system that damages one’s quality of life and overall well-being.

Finding Balance in a Wellness-Oriented World

Health is multi-dimensional. It includes not only healthy nutrition and physical activity but also emotional well-being, connection with others, and joy. Dr. Bratman encourages people to move from being “someone who eats healthy food” to “a healthy person” – one who lives fully, loves deeply, and eats flexibly.

Conclusion

While promoting healthy habits is essential in combating modern health issues such as obesity and heart disease, it is equally important to be aware of the psychological risks associated with extreme dietary restriction and exercise compulsions. Orthorexia serves as a powerful reminder that even the best intentions can lead to harm when balance is lost. Choose nourishment, but also choose joy, freedom, and connection. After all, true health encompasses physical nourishment, emotional stability, and social connection — not just what’s on the plate.

Support is available for those struggling with orthorexia or disordered eating habits. Registered dietitians, therapists, and support groups can help individuals rediscover a balanced and joyful relationship with food.

References

• Bratman, S. (2017). Orthorexia vs. theories of healthy eating. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 22(4), 381–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-017-0417-6
• Dunn, T. M. et.al. (2016). On orthorexia nervosa: A review of the literature and proposed diagnostic criteria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724459/
• Fedhealth. (2022). The science behind the high protein diet. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/the-science-behind-the-high-protein-diet/
• Fedhealth. (2023). A Fresh look at Exercise! https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/a-fresh-look-at-exercise/#:~:text=Although%20at%20least%2030%20minutes,up%20to%20350%20calories%20daily%3F
• Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Clean eating: The good and the bad. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/clean-eating-the-good-and-the-bad
• Klemm, S. (2023). Orthorexia: An obsession with eating pure. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions/eating-disorders/orthorexia-an-obsession-with-eating-pure
• National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Orthorexia. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/orthorexia/#sources
• Oksman, O. (2015, September 26). Orthorexia: When healthy eating turns against you. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/sep/26/orthorexia-eating-disorder-clean-eating-dsm-miracle-foods
• Toledo Center for Eating Disorders. (n.d.). Social media and orthorexia. https://toledocenter.com/resources/social-media-and-orthorexia/#:~:text=Other%20studies%20have%20also%20suggested,may%20be%20just%20as%20damaging