Ep 37. I Have Orthorexia

I Have Orthorexia is a compelling episode of the long-running docuseries True Life, which delves into the often misunderstood eating disorder known as Orthorexia. The episode takes a close look at three young people struggling with Orthorexia, each with their unique experiences and challenges.

Orthorexia is a relatively new phenomenon, and not yet officially recognized as a medical diagnosis. Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, Orthorexia is characterized by an obsession with healthy eating, rather than a fixation on weight or body image. People with Orthorexia are often very health-conscious and strive to consume only the purest and cleanest foods, often to the point of excluding entire food groups or developing severe restrictions on what they can eat.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to three individuals who have each struggled with Orthorexia in their unique ways. First, there's Jessica, a college student who has been struggling to maintain a healthier lifestyle by adopting a gluten-free, organic, and vegan diet. However, what started as a desire for better health soon spiraled into an obsession with pure and clean eating, leading her to restrict her food choices drastically. Jessica explains the despair she feels when she's confronted with foods outside her diet, and how Orthorexia has affected her social life, leaving her isolated and alone.

The show also introduces viewers to Riley, a fitness enthusiast who aims to achieve a "perfect" body by sticking to an extremely strict eating regimen. The regimen required him only to eat specific organic fruits and vegetables, limiting himself to an unbalanced and unhealthy diet. Over time, his obsession with clean eating took over his life, making him feel anxious and guilty when eating bigger portions, or deviating from his strict regimen.

Lastly, there's Kimberly, a woman who developed Orthorexia after discovering that she has celiac disease. Her diagnosis pushed her towards adopting a gluten-free and organic diet, but over time, she became increasingly fixated on consuming only the purest form of food. Every other food, this illness made her avoid, resulted in a constant search for the perfect food, which made her wreck her social life and her relationships.

The episode paints a clear picture of just how isolating and debilitating Orthorexia can be. The individuals featured in the show discuss how their eating habits have taken over their lives, making it a challenge to maintain friendships and social interactions. They describe the incredible stress and anxiety they feel around food, leading them towards obsessing over its purity, and feeling guilty any time they stray away from their regimented diet.

The show also profiles professionals such as dieticians, doctors, and nutritionists who provide practical and medical advice for Orthorexics. They explain how to identify the different eating disorders, what steps are necessary to cope with it properly, and how to develop a more balanced relationship with food.

Overall, I Have Orthorexia is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that helps viewers understand the complexities of this relatively new eating disorder. By delving deep into the stories of real people living with Orthorexia, the show provides a unique perspective on the struggles, challenges, and stigma that individuals with eating disorders face daily. The show brings light to this under-discussed eating disorder and educates viewers on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available to those suffering from the ailment.