Find a Mental Health Professional for Orthorexia & Other Eating Concerns

About Orthorexia & Other Eating Concerns support

Orthorexia refers to an obsessive preoccupation with eating "healthily" or "purely" that becomes rigid, distressing, and life-limiting. While not yet a formal clinical diagnosis, orthorexia is increasingly recognised by clinicians as a distinct pattern of concern. People experiencing orthorexia may spend excessive time planning meals, avoid social situations involving food, or experience significant anxiety when they cannot adhere to their self-imposed food rules. The pursuit of health becomes a source of harm. Other eating concerns not covered by specific diagnostic categories can still have a real impact on wellbeing. Fear of food contamination, excessive rituals around eating, significant anxiety about specific foods or mealtimes, and highly restrictive patterns that do not meet ARFID criteria all warrant attention. Practitioners who work with eating concerns approach these presentations with curiosity rather than dismissal. In Australia, the Butterfly Foundation and Eating Disorders Victoria can assist with referral to practitioners experienced in less typical eating presentations. Medicare's Eating Disorder Plan provides subsidised sessions when clinical criteria are met, and GP Mental Health Treatment Plans support broader eating and anxiety concerns. A multidisciplinary approach, including psychology and dietetics, tends to produce the best outcomes.