We are often led to believe that many of us are eating too much and should work towards eating less, choosing 'healthier' foods and exercising more. The reality is, most of what the popular media is sharing is leading to issues of low energy availability, over-exercising and dysfunctional eating patterns. We can be focused on pursuing health and well- being but when is that pursuit being taken to far? The term or condition Orthorexia was coined in 1988 and it means “the obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating. It is not a problem to ensure you are getting in quality food and focused on good nutrition, it can become one when thoughts of food and what you eat or how 'healthy' that food is starts to damage well-being.

Physiologically there are many signs that this may be an issue. The responses that occur in the body include (but are not limited to):

• a loss of menstrual function, no period or lack of period at 15 years of age or older

• changes in hormones, hormone function such as alterations lowered testosterone levels for males 

• recurring or frequent viral infections

• digestive upset such as constipation and bloating

Questions that were referenced in the podcast include: 

It is OKAY if you identify with any of these questions, there is support and hope to live with freedom and still be active and healthy.

For more information on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, head to my recent blog post.

If there is any more support or information I can provide you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Jorie Janzen, RD, CSSD- [email protected]

Alison Friesen, RD- [email protected]