Ortorexia nervosa: reflexões sobre um novo conceito

Orthorexia nervosa is a new term described as an obsessive pathological behavior characterized by fixation on healthy eating. It has not yet been officially recognized as an eating disorder, but its concept, characteristics, interactions and symptoms have been discussed. This work presents a review of the articles published on the theme since 1997, when orthorexic behavior was first described. Similarities and differences between orthorexic behavior and the more common eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are discussed. To date, one instrument was developed and validated to detect orthorexic behavior. Studies indicate that some groups are more vulnerable to orthorexia nervosa: medical students, physicians, dietitians, individuals with anxiety symptoms, obsessive-compulsive individuals and those who overvalue a perfect body. The discussion on orthorexia nervosa is based on analyzing the concepts of eating attitude and healthy eating, and seeks a biopsychosocial focus for proper eating in addition to a physiological focus. To date, there are no studies about orthorexia nervosa in Brazil. Nevertheless, this subject is worthy of discussion since health professionals should be made aware of the existence of this deviant behavior and its possible consequences, not only for someone's physical and emotional health, but also for the understanding of healthy eating.