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Home » Self-tests » Orthorexia test

Orthorexia test

Living with an eating disorder can be challenging. Here you can do a self-test to see if you have symptoms of orthorexia.

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Instructions

Read each question and choose the answer that best matches your experience.

How often do you plan your meals in detail in advance?(Required)

Rarely, I eat what feels good at the time.

Sometimes, especially if I exercise a lot.

Almost always, I want to be in full control of what I eat.

How do you feel if you eat something that is not according to your dietary rules?(Required)

I do not react very strongly.

I get a little annoyed or regretful.

I get severe anxiety or feel like a failure.

How varied is your diet?(Required)

Very varied, I eat most things.

Some variety, but I avoid certain foods.

Very limited, I stick to a few ‘safe’ foods.

How does your diet affect your daily life?(Required)

Not at all, I have a flexible approach to food.

To some extent, but I try to be balanced.

A lot, I plan my day based on what I will eat and exercise.

How often do you turn down social activities because of food?(Required)

Never, I can adapt.

Sometimes, if I know there is nothing I want to eat.

Often, I avoid situations where I have no control over food.

How much time do you spend reading about diet and health?(Required)

From time to time.

A few times a week.

Daily, I follow blogs, accounts and research articles.

How do you view food containing sugar, fat or additives?(Required)

I sometimes eat it without a guilty conscience.

I prefer to avoid it.

I consider it dangerous and would not eat it.

How important is the purity or naturalness of food to you?(Required)

Not particularly, I focus mostly on flavour and nutrition.

Quite important, I prefer organic and clean.

Very important, I avoid anything that feels artificial.

How do you react when others question your diet?(Required)

I do not take it personally.

I defend my choices but can feel insecure.

I get irritated or feel attacked.

How much of your self-esteem is based on how strictly you keep your diet and exercise?(Required)

Not at all, I judge myself on other things.

In part, I feel better when I live ‘healthily’.

Very much, it affects how I see myself.

Your score

Count your points and understand your result:

23-30 points: High risk of orthorexia – Your relationship with food, health and control can affect both your mental and physical health. It can be important to talk to someone – for example, a therapist or dietician with knowledge of eating disorders.
16-22 points: Some signs of orthorexic thinking – You have an awareness around food that can sometimes become restrictive. It may be helpful to reflect on your habits and feelings around food, and attend therapy if necessary.
10-15 points: Low risk of orthorexia – You seem to have a balanced relationship with food and health. Keep listening to your body’s signals and enjoy variety and flexibility.

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What is orthorexia?

Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, is not currently an officially recognised diagnosis, but has become an increasingly recognised problem behaviour. Coined by physician Steven Bratman in the late 1990s, the term describes an obsessive focus on eating ‘right’, healthy and clean. It is not necessarily about eating too little, as in anorexia, but rather about controlling what you eat to such an extent that it limits your life and affects your mental health.

A person with orthorexic tendencies may spend a lot of time planning, preparing and controlling their diet. This may involve eliminating anything perceived as unhealthy, such as sugar, fat, additives, gluten, lactose or animal products. Many people also combine strict diets with excessive exercise. Those who deviate from their dietary plan may experience severe anxiety, guilt or shame.

Common signs of orthorexia:

You have a strong fear of eating anything that doesn’t meet your health requirements.
You eat only a few ‘authorised’ foods and find it difficult to eat food you have not prepared yourself.
You feel guilty or anxious if you do not follow your dietary principles.
You avoid social situations involving food (restaurants, dinners etc).
You feel a strong need for control related to food, exercise and health.
Your self-image and self-worth are strongly linked to how strictly you live healthily.

Why does orthorexia develop?

Orthorexia can develop gradually and is often driven by:

A strong ideal of health and control
Perfectionism and performance demands
Fear of illness, weight gain or losing control
Influences from social media, the health industry and dietary trends

Orthorexia can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, depression, anxiety and poor quality of life. As the condition is often masked by what society perceives as healthy, it can be difficult to detect both for the individual and those around them.

This test is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you reflect on your relationship with food, exercise and health. If you recognise yourself in several descriptions, it may be a sign that you need support. Tests take around 3 minutes to complete.

What should I do if I have symptoms of orthorexia

If you have symptoms of orthorexia, you should contact a psychologist or therapist for professional help. There is effective treatment and it is possible to feel better. At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you. We make the difficult easier.

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