Because orthorexic individuals are so focused on the nutritional content and purity of various foods, anxiety is often a result from this detail-oriented mindset. Orthorexic individuals often become so involved in their time-consuming research about the quality of their food and their future food plans that it ends up creating a significant amount of stress as they continue to strive for the pure and perfect image. Due to the extensive research and harsh guidelines of what would be considered as a “pure” food, orthorexic individuals may end up avoiding certain food groups entirely, leading to a lack of various nutrients (Koven and Abry 386). But, if the situation arises where an orthorexic individual consumes a food that is deemed “impure” …show more content…
However, the social isolation experienced by those suffering from orthorexia is also a result of their narrow-mindedness towards the food values of others (Brytek-Matera 58; Koven and Abry 386-87). Thus, although the control over food for nutritional value can lead to various health benefits, orthorexia is an example of how that same control can get out of hand. Still, it is interesting to note that although the goal of orthorexia is to attain a pure body, their actions actually do the opposite as orthorexics may suffer from malnourishment and severe weight loss (Brytek-Matera 58). However, with the right treatment and knowledge about how one should be eating, it is possible to steer an orthorexic individual back to a healthier lifestyle, something the media can positively …show more content…
While this question still remains unanswered, the media could definitely help out. One study has revealed that about 20% of the male doctors and 39% of the female doctors in the group admitted to being influenced by the media for their food choices (Brytek-Matera 57). If the media could start extensively focusing on promoting food education rather than patronizing body images, there is a possibility that it would greatly help the individuals suffering from orthorexia and other eating disorders. Not only that, but it would also help the people who do not know how to properly create a balanced meal while debunking the beliefs of various food myths. In fact, Koven and Abry state that treatment for orthorexic individuals can involve trying to change an individual’s mistaken beliefs about food to a more accepting atmosphere complemented with more social interactions (391). Although the media’s focus may not shift anytime soon, the opportunity to wield its influence to help those who have suffered from the media’s consequential ideologies towards the ideal shape will always be