Orthorexia nervosa in children
Children with orthorexia nervosa have an obsession with healthy eating that can impact their health and well-being. At Children’s Health℠, we don’t talk about foods as “unhealthy” or “healthy.” Instead, we can help your child reduce anxiety and learn to enjoy food, while teaching them about nutrition and the importance of finding balance.
What is orthorexia nervosa in children?
Children who have orthorexia nervosa are obsessed with eating only “healthy” foods. They may become so focused on eating “clean,” “healthy” or “pure” foods that it can contribute to serious anxiety. Children with this condition may feel anxious about every meal, become stressed when foods they perceive as “healthy” aren’t available and may lose lots of weight.
Orthorexia nervosa is common in children with eating disorders, which are conditions where people engage in eating behaviors that negatively impact their health.
This includes:
What are the signs and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa in children?
If your child has orthorexia nervosa, they’re constantly worrying and thinking about food (either what they ate or what they’re going to eat).
Signs and symptoms may include:
Not eating consistently
Refusing to go to certain restaurants or grocery stores
Only eating food they see as “clean,” “raw” or “healthy”
Feeling guilty if they eat something “unhealthy”
Irrational thoughts and concerns about eating
Preparing their own meals and not eating what everyone else in the family is eating
Not wanting to go to certain activities or parties where food is going to be involved (such as birthday parties or school banquets)
What causes orthorexia nervosa in children?
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes eating disorders and related conditions like orthorexia.
A combination of these factors can cause them to develop:
Biology - If you or a family member has an eating disorder, anxiety or depression, this could play a role in your child having orthorexia.
Psychology - How your child sees themself, how they view the world and what they think about other people can play a role in developing orthorexia.
Environment - If your child was exposed to trauma, bullying or major stressors in life, these factors could play a role in developing orthorexia.
Social - The media is full of messages about food: “This food is bad for you. This food is good for you. Eat this. Don’t eat that.” Being bombarded with so much information can make children feel anxious and afraid about food, which could lead to orthorexia.
How is orthorexia nervosa in children treated?
Our treatment options are designed to help children address the irrational thoughts they have about food and help them cope with emotions they have about eating.
We provide a variety of treatment options, including:
Individual, group and family therapy to help your child shift their perceptions and behaviors around food
Art, music and recreation therapy to teach children and adolescents new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Nutritional counseling with a dietitian can help you and your child develop plans for eating nutritious foods
Medical treatment to help restore the right balance of nutrients to your child’s body
Orthorexia nervosa doctors and providers
Children’s Health has a team of doctors, licensed clinical therapists, dietitians, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists who can help your child.
Urszula Kelley, MDPediatric Psychiatrist
Mohanika Gowda, MDPediatric Psychiatrist
M Elizabeth Weidmer-Mikhail, MDPediatric Psychiatrist