Are you devoted to kale smoothies, flax seeds, almond milk, avocado toast, and green juices? It might raise eyebrows among friends and family, even if they won't say it outright. A recent study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders (The Review of Eating Disorders in VF) reveals that healthy eating and orthorexia are often viewed negatively, impacting social perceptions.
Previous research has shown that anorexia and similar disorders are misunderstood and stigmatized. But what about simply eating healthily? Researchers tested this by presenting volunteers with profiles of individuals. Participants rated these profiles and indicated whether they'd want to befriend them. Results showed profiles mentioning a healthy diet were judged more harshly—though less so than those with eating disorders—while neutral profiles received positive feedback. In a follow-up, orthorexia was rated as negatively as anorexia. The authors aim to highlight the social burden on those pursuing healthy eating, fostering greater understanding and inclusion.
We live in a paradoxical era: healthy options abound, yet they've never been so poorly perceived.
